Olympus E-P3 vs Sony NEX-3N

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus E-P3 vs Sony NEX-3N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3N (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-P3 was announced 18 months earlier than the NEX-3N making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-P3 grades against the NEX-3N with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, 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") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P3 vs Sony NEX-3N in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-P3 vs the NEX-3N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and NEX-3N is 86 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The image here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and NEX-3N.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-P3 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-3N will offer you more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.