Olympus E-P5 vs Olympus E-PL3

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus E-P5 and Olympus E-PL3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and both are offered by Olympus. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P5 (16MP) and E-PL3 (12MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-P5 was revealed 2 years after the E-PL3 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-P5 matches up against the E-PL3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P5 & Olympus PEN E-PL3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P5 Gallery & Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P5 comes with exterior measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL3 has measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P5 and Olympus E-PL3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-P5 compared to the E-PL3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P5 and E-PL3 is 85 and 88 respectively.

Often, its difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions merely by going through a spec sheet. The picture below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P5 and E-PL3.

Clearly, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Olympus E-P5 to produce greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-P5 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.