Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic 3D1

Below is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic 3D1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P2 was brought out 18 months before the 3D1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a thorough comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-P2 scores vs the 3D1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P2 has got exterior 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 3D1 has proportions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic 3D1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the E-P2 vs the 3D1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P2 and 3D1 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements only by going through a spec sheet. The graphic here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P2 and 3D1.

As you can see, each of the cameras feature the identical MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-P2 comes with the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field simpler. The older E-P2 will be behind in sensor technology.