Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax P80

The following is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-P3 versus Pentax P80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the P80 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and P80 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

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The E-P3 was announced 2 years after the P80 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-P3 matches up vs the P80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Pentax Optio P80. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Pentax P80 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 offers exterior measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Pentax P80 has dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P3 versus Pentax P80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-P3 compared to the P80.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and P80 is 86 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions just by seeing specs. The picture underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and P80.

All in all, both of the cameras have the same megapixel count albeit different sensor dimensions. The E-P3 has the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field easier. The fresher E-P3 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.