Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZR3

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZR3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is very close but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P5 was introduced 3 years later than the ZR3 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-P5 grades against the ZR3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P5 features outer measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR3 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic ZR3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the E-P5 against the ZR3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P5 and ZR3 is 85 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by viewing specifications. The visual below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P5 and ZR3.

To sum up, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P5 with its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-P5 will render greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more modern E-P5 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.