Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A350

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A350, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the A350 (14MP) is fairly similar but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and A350 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-P3 was released 3 years later than the A350 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A350 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-P3 scores against the A350 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A350. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Sony A350 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 features exterior 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) whilst the Sony A350 has dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 674 grams (1.49 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A350 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-P3 vs the A350.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and A350 is 86 and 62 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and A350.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony A350 will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent E-P3 should have an edge in sensor innovation.