Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus XZ-1

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-P3 versus Olympus XZ-1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is relatively similar but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and XZ-1 (1/1.63") use different sensor sizes.

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The E-P3 was unveiled 7 months after the XZ-1 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-P3 scores vs the XZ-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Olympus XZ-1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-P3 features exterior 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 XZ-1 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P3 versus Olympus XZ-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P3 compared to the XZ-1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and XZ-1 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading specifications. The picture below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and XZ-1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-P3 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-P3 will offer greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The newer E-P3 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.