Olympus E-P3 vs Zeiss ZX1

Let's look more closely at the Olympus E-P3 vs Zeiss ZX1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Zeiss. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and ZX1 (Full frame) boast different sensor dimensions.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The E-P3 was brought out 8 years prior to the ZX1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-P3 scores vs the ZX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Zeiss ZX1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 has physical dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has measurements of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P3 vs Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the E-P3 compared to the ZX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and ZX1 is 86 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing merely by going over specs. The photograph below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and ZX1.

All in all, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will offer extra detail having its extra 25MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older E-P3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.