Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic LX3

Below, we are comparing the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic LX3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the LX3 (10MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and LX3 (1/1.63") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was launched 19 months after the LX3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL1 grades versus the LX3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 enjoys outer dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic LX3 has proportions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic LX3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1 and the LX3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and LX3 is 86 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to see the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specs. The pic underneath might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and LX3.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL1 will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The newer E-PL1 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.