Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PM2

Here is a extensive assessment of the Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PM2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and E-PM2 (16MP) but they come with the exact same sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was announced 20 months prior to the E-PM2 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the E-PM2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Olympus PEN E-PM2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Olympus E-PM2 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 provides external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PM2 has measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PM2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the E-PM2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and E-PM2 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading technical specs. The graphic below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and E-PM2.

As you have seen, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Olympus E-PM2 to deliver more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.