Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZR3

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZR3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is very close but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-P1 was manufactured 6 months before the ZR3 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-P1 matches up against the ZR3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 features outside dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZR3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P1 versus the ZR3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and ZR3 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing purely by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and ZR3.

Clearly, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P1 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZR3 will provide you with greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively.