Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus VR-330

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus VR-330, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the VR-330 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and VR-330 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The E-P3 was announced 7 months later than the VR-330 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VR-330 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-P3 scores vs the VR-330 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Olympus VR-330. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Olympus VR-330 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 features external measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Olympus VR-330 has proportions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus VR-330 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-P3 and the VR-330.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and VR-330 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements simply by going through a spec sheet. The graphic here should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and VR-330.

As you can see, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-P3 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus VR-330 will show more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots more aggressively. The newer E-P3 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.