Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus SP-100

Below is a complete assessment of the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus SP-100, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and SP-100 (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and SP-100 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was brought out 3 years before the SP-100 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-P3 matches up against the SP-100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Olympus Stylus SP-100. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Olympus SP-100 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 provides exterior measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Olympus SP-100 has dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") along with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus SP-100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-P3 versus the SP-100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and SP-100 is 86 and 63 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements just by viewing specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and SP-100.

All in all, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-P3 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus SP-100 will render extra detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older E-P3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.