Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic G3

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic G3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and G3 (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL1 was manufactured 14 months earlier than the G3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-PL1 scores vs the G3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic G3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 offers physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic G3 has sizing of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic G3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the G3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and G3 is 86 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The graphic underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and G3.

Plainly, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Panasonic G3 to resolve greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.