Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZR3

Following is a in depth assessment of the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic ZR3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was revealed 4 months after the ZR3 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-PL1 scores against the ZR3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 has got outer dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic ZR3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 against the ZR3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and ZR3 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Normally, its hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes simply by going over a spec sheet. The picture here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and ZR3.

As you can see, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 having a bigger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZR3 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a little more aggressively.