Olympus E-P3 vs Sony S980

On this page, we are contrasting the Olympus E-P3 versus Sony S980, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is very comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and S980 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

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The E-P3 was manufactured 2 years later than the S980 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-P3 matches up vs the S980 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 enjoys outside 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 S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P3 versus Sony S980 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-P3 vs the S980.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and S980 is 86 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and S980.

Clearly, both of those cameras have the same megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The E-P3 uses the larger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF easier. The newer E-P3 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.