Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS20

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was released 8 months before the ZS20 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a short view of how the E-P3 scores vs the ZS20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 provides physical measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the E-P3 compared to the ZS20.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and ZS20 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specifications. The graphic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and ZS20.

Plainly, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZS20 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older E-P3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.