Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus 9000

On this page, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus 9000, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the 9000 (12MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and 9000 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was brought out 2 years after the 9000 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 9000 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the E-PL3 matches up against the 9000 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus Stylus 9000. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus 9000 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 has outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Olympus 9000 has sizing of 96mm x 60mm x 31mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus 9000 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL3 versus the 9000.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and 9000 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to see the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The image here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and 9000.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide the same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL3 contains the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field simpler. The younger E-PL3 will have a benefit in sensor technology.