Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus VR-330

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus VR-330, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the VR-330 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and VR-330 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was revealed 8 months later than the VR-330 and 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 VR-330 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-PL3 scores vs the VR-330 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Olympus VR-330. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Olympus VR-330 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 has got outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Olympus VR-330 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-330 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL3 against the VR-330.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and VR-330 is 88 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The visual below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and VR-330.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus VR-330 will offer extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The newer E-PL3 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.