Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic S3

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic S3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P2 was brought out 8 months prior to the S3 so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-P2 matches up versus the S3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P2 comes with outer dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic S3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-P2 compared to the S3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-P2 and S3 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions just by looking at a spec sheet. The image here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P2 and S3.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-P2 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic S3 will resolve greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images more aggressively. The more aged E-P2 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.