Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic ZS3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is very comparable but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was manufactured 22 months after the ZS3 making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-PL2 scores versus the ZS3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 has got external 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) and the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic ZS3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL2 and the ZS3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and ZS3 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by checking out a spec sheet. The picture here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and ZS3.

Clearly, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL2 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL2 will show greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-PL2 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.