Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus XZ-10

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Olympus XZ-10, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the XZ-10 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and XZ-10 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 16 months prior to the XZ-10 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-10 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-PL3 matches up versus the XZ-10 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus Stylus XZ-10. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus XZ-10 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 has exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-10 has specifications of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 versus Olympus XZ-10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL3 and the XZ-10.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and XZ-10 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to picture the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching specifications. The photograph here might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and XZ-10.

Plainly, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 comes with the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-PL3 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.