Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS50

Following is a in depth overview of the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic ZS50, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and ZS50 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-P3 was revealed 4 years earlier than the ZS50 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-P3 matches up vs the ZS50 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 offers physical dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS50 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-P3 against the ZS50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and ZS50 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to envision the gap in sensor sizes merely by seeing specifications. The image underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and ZS50.

To sum up, both of those cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-P3 offers the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult. The more aged E-P3 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.