Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL7

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL7, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and both of them are sold by Olympus. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and E-PL7 (16MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL3 was launched 3 years prior to the E-PL7 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-PL3 scores vs the E-PL7 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Olympus PEN E-PL7. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Olympus E-PL7 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 has got outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL7 has sizing of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL7 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the E-PL7.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and E-PL7 is 88 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes purely by seeing specifications. The picture below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and E-PL7.

Plainly, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Olympus E-PL7 to show extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.