Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic 3D1

Below, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic 3D1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1 was launched 17 months earlier than the 3D1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-PL1 scores versus the 3D1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera often, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 provides exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic 3D1 has dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic 3D1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1 vs the 3D1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and 3D1 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading through specs. The pic below should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and 3D1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 has got the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.