Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic G3

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic G3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and G3 (16MP) but they feature the exact same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was brought out 7 months before the G3 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the E-PL1s matches up against the G3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Panasonic G3 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1s offers outer dimensions 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 G3 has dimensions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") and a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic G3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1s vs the G3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and G3 is 86 and 83 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing simply by going through specs. The photograph here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and G3.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can expect the Panasonic G3 to show extra detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The older E-PL1s will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.