Olympus E-P1 vs Sony NEX-F3

Following is a thorough assessment of the Olympus E-P1 and Sony NEX-F3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and NEX-F3 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-F3 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The E-P1 was released 4 years earlier than the NEX-F3 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-P1 scores against the NEX-F3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P1 comes with exterior measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-F3 has proportions of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P1 and Sony NEX-F3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the E-P1 compared to the NEX-F3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and NEX-F3 is 86 and 86 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by researching specifications. The pic underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and NEX-F3.

Plainly, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-F3 will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.