Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic S3

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic S3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was revealed 2 months later than the S3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PL2 grades against the S3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL2 provides outer 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 Panasonic S3 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic S3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL2 and the S3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and S3 is 85 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements only by researching technical specs. The photograph underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and S3.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic S3 will render extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively.