Olympus E-P1 vs Sony G3

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony G3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the G3 (10MP) is relatively similar but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and G3 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-P1 was manufactured 7 months later than the G3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony G3 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-P1 matches up versus the G3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Sony G3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 offers physical dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Sony G3 has specifications of 97mm x 59mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony G3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the E-P1 versus the G3.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P1 and G3 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The graphic below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and G3.

Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-P1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-P1 will offer you greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The fresher E-P1 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.