Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-P2 and Panasonic ZS3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

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The E-P2 was revealed 12 months later than the ZS3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-P2 scores versus the ZS3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P2 enjoys outer 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) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P2 and Panasonic ZS3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-P2 and the ZS3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P2 and ZS3 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P2 and ZS3.

As you can see, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P2 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-P2 will resolve more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The younger E-P2 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.