Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax E85

Let's look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax E85, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the E85 (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and E85 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P3 was announced 24 months later than the E85 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-P3 grades against the E85 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Pentax Optio E85. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Pentax E85 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-P3 has got outside dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Pentax E85 has specifications of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax E85 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-P3 versus the E85.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and E85 is 86 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to see the gap between sensor sizing just by going over a spec sheet. The visual here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and E85.

Clearly, both the cameras provide the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-P3 comes with the bigger sensor which should make getting bokeh simpler. The more modern E-P3 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.