Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus SP-610UZ

Lets examine more in depth at the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus SP-610UZ, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the SP-610UZ (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and SP-610UZ (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was announced 9 months later than the SP-610UZ which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-610UZ being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PL3 grades against the SP-610UZ in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus SP-610UZ. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 offers outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Olympus SP-610UZ has dimensions of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus SP-610UZ in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL3 vs the SP-610UZ.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and SP-610UZ is 88 and 79 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to see the gap in sensor measurements just by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and SP-610UZ.

As you can see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SP-610UZ will provide more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer E-PL3 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.