Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic 3D1

The following is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic 3D1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL2 was unveiled 8 months earlier than the 3D1 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-PL2 scores versus the 3D1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 comes with external dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic 3D1 has sizing of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic 3D1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL2 compared to the 3D1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and 3D1 is 85 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions just by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and 3D1.

Clearly, both the cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but different sensor dimensions. The E-PL2 offers the larger sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult. The more aged E-PL2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.