Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A99 II

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus E-P3 versus Sony A99 II, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and A99 II (42MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and A99 II (Full frame) posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was brought out 6 years earlier than the A99 II and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A99 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-P3 grades versus the A99 II in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Sony Alpha A99 II. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Sony A99 II Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P3 provides outer dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Sony A99 II has sizing of 143mm x 104mm x 76mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 849 grams (1.87 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P3 versus Sony A99 II in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-P3 and the A99 II.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and A99 II is 86 and 57 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to envision the difference in sensor sizing only by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and A99 II.

Clearly, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony A99 II will provide you with extra detail having its extra 30MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older E-P3 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.