Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus SH-3

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus SH-3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Olympus. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and SH-3 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and SH-3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL2 was revealed 6 years prior to the SH-3 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-PL2 matches up against the SH-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Olympus Stylus SH-3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Olympus SH-3 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 has outside dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Olympus SH-3 has proportions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus SH-3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL2 versus the SH-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and SH-3 is 85 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by viewing specifications. The photograph below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and SH-3.

Plainly, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 using its larger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Olympus SH-3 will provide you with more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older E-PL2 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.