Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus VG-160

Here is a extended overview of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Olympus VG-160, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the VG-160 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and VG-160 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was manufactured 3 months before the VG-160 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL3 matches up against the VG-160 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Olympus VG-160. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Olympus VG-160 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Olympus VG-160 has measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL3 versus Olympus VG-160 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the VG-160.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and VG-160 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through technical specs. The visual underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and VG-160.

As you can tell, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus VG-160 will produce greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively.