Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic S3

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic S3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was unveiled 7 months prior to the S3 and they are both of a similar age. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PL1 grades versus the S3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 offers physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic S3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL1 vs the S3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and S3 is 86 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by checking technical specs. The photograph here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and S3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 using its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic S3 will give greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.