Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Here, we are matching up the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P3 was launched 16 months prior to the XZ-2 iHS making them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-P3 scores against the XZ-2 iHS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-P3 provides physical dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-P3 and the XZ-2 iHS.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and XZ-2 iHS is 86 and 85 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes only by checking specs. The picture here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and XZ-2 iHS.

All in all, the 2 cameras come with the identical resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The E-P3 provides the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult. The more aged E-P3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.