Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax 645Z

Here is a complete assessment of the Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax 645Z, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Pro DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and 645Z (Medium format) boast different sensor measurements.

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The E-P3 was introduced 3 years prior to the 645Z and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-P3 grades versus the 645Z for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Pentax 645Z. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P3 provides external measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has sizing of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") and a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax 645Z in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-P3 compared to the 645Z.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and 645Z is 86 and 49 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing purely by checking technical specs. The graphic below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and 645Z.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax 645Z will give more detail using its extra 39 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The older E-P3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.