Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL8

Below, we will be looking at the Olympus E-P3 versus Olympus E-PL8, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and they are both sold by Olympus. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and E-PL8 (16MP) but they use the exact same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was unveiled 6 years prior to the E-PL8 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-P3 matches up versus the E-PL8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Olympus PEN E-PL8. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Olympus E-PL8 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 has got outside measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL8 has measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P3 versus Olympus E-PL8 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P3 compared to the E-PL8.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and E-PL8 is 86 and 86 respectively.

Usually, its tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizing only by seeing technical specs. The photograph below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and E-PL8.

As you can tell, both of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus E-PL8 to provide greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E-P3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.