Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A700

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A700, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the A700 (12MP) is fairly close but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and A700 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was launched 3 years after the A700 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-P3 scores against the A700 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Sony A700 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-P3 enjoys outer dimensions 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 Sony A700 has specifications of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A700 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P3 compared to the A700.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and A700 is 86 and 58 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes simply by researching a spec sheet. The image underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and A700.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer the same exact resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The E-P3 includes the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF harder. The more modern E-P3 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.