Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus SP-590 UZ

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus SP-590 UZ, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the SP-590 UZ (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was introduced 2 years after the SP-590 UZ which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL3 scores vs the SP-590 UZ with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Olympus SP-590 UZ. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 offers outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Olympus SP-590 UZ has proportions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") along with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus SP-590 UZ in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 versus the SP-590 UZ.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and SP-590 UZ is 88 and 72 respectively.

Often, its tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes just by looking at specs. The pic underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and SP-590 UZ.

All in all, both the cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL3 comes with the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF simpler. The younger E-PL3 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.