Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-3N

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-3N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3N (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the NEX-3N and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-P1 scores versus the NEX-3N in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 provides outside measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-3N in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-P1 and the NEX-3N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and NEX-3N is 86 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by looking through specifications. The graphic below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and NEX-3N.

To sum up, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P1 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-3N will provide you with greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older E-P1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.