Olympus E-P3 vs Sony NEX-6

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-P3 and Sony NEX-6, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and NEX-6 (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and NEX-6 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-P3 was brought out 19 months prior to the NEX-6 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-P3 grades versus the NEX-6 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Sony Alpha NEX-6. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Sony NEX-6 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 offers outer dimensions 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 Sony NEX-6 has dimensions of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 345 grams (0.76 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P3 and Sony NEX-6 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-P3 and the NEX-6.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and NEX-6 is 86 and 85 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements only by researching technical specs. The visual underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and NEX-6.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-P3 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-6 will render extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older E-P3 will be behind in sensor innovation.