Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus 550WP

Here is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus 550WP, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the 550WP (10MP) is pretty comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and 550WP (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-P3 was launched 2 years later than the 550WP and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-P3 scores versus the 550WP for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Olympus Stylus 550WP. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Olympus 550WP Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 offers physical measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Olympus 550WP has proportions of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus 550WP in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P3 compared to the 550WP.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and 550WP is 86 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing merely by checking out specs. The photograph underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and 550WP.

All in all, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-P3 will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more modern E-P3 provides an edge in sensor innovation.