Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus 550WP

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus 550WP, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the 550WP (10MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and 550WP (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was unveiled 2 years later than the 550WP and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PL3 grades against the 550WP in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus Stylus 550WP. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus 550WP Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 provides 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) and the Olympus 550WP has specifications of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus 550WP in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the E-PL3 vs the 550WP.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and 550WP is 88 and 94 respectively.

Typically, its hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by going over specs. The photograph here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and 550WP.

All in all, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL3 will deliver greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The younger E-PL3 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.