Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus E-PL3

Below, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus E-PL3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras and they are both offered by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the E-PL3 (12MP) is fairly well matched and they use the exact same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL1 was manufactured 16 months earlier than the E-PL3 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PL1 grades versus the E-PL3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Olympus PEN E-PL3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 features outside dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL3 has dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus E-PL3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1 versus the E-PL3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and E-PL3 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to see the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking specs. The visual underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and E-PL3.

All in all, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the identical MP so you should expect similar quality of photos however you have to consider the production date of the products into consideration. The older E-PL1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.