Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax WS80

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax WS80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the WS80 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and WS80 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P3 was launched 2 years later than the WS80 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WS80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-P3 matches up vs the WS80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Pentax Optio WS80. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-P3 provides outer measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Pentax WS80 has specifications of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax WS80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-P3 versus the WS80.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and WS80 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through specifications. The visual below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and WS80.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-P3 will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The newer E-P3 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.