Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus VR-320

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus VR-320, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the VR-320 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and VR-320 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was introduced 3 months later than the VR-320 and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-PL3 grades versus the VR-320 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus VR-320. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus VR-320 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you are going to need to consider 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") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Olympus VR-320 has measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus VR-320 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the E-PL3 vs the VR-320.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and VR-320 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Usually, its tough to see the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing specifications. The graphic underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and VR-320.

Plainly, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus VR-320 will provide extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively.