Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic ZR3

Here is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-P2 and Panasonic ZR3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-P2 was introduced 3 months later than the ZR3 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-P2 scores vs the ZR3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P2 has outer measurements 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 ZR3 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P2 and Panasonic ZR3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the E-P2 versus the ZR3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P2 and ZR3 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing simply by viewing specs. The photograph here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P2 and ZR3.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P2 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZR3 will result in more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively.