Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus VH-515

Following is a in-depth overview of the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus VH-515, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the VH-515 (12MP) is pretty close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and VH-515 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was released 11 months prior to the VH-515 and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VH-515 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-PL3 matches up versus the VH-515 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Olympus VH-515. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Olympus VH-515 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 provides outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Olympus VH-515 has proportions of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") having a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus VH-515 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL3 vs the VH-515.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and VH-515 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes only by researching a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and VH-515.

As you can see, both the cameras have the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL3 contains the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult. The more aged E-PL3 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.