Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic GH3

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic GH3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and GH3 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL1 was unveiled 3 years before the GH3 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-PL1 matches up versus the GH3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. 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) and the Panasonic GH3 has measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic GH3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the GH3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and GH3 is 86 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes simply by researching specifications. The pic below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and GH3.

Plainly, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Panasonic GH3 to result in greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.