Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus XZ-1

Following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus XZ-1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is very well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and XZ-1 (1/1.63") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was unveiled 8 months after the XZ-1 and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-PL3 scores vs the XZ-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus XZ-1. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 features 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 XZ-1 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus XZ-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 versus the XZ-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and XZ-1 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the difference between sensor sizes just by reading through specifications. The pic here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and XZ-1.

To sum up, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL3 will give you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The younger E-PL3 will have a benefit in sensor tech.