Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Here is a thorough overview of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are produced by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was revealed 15 months before the XZ-2 iHS making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PL3 grades versus the XZ-2 iHS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys exterior 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 XZ-2 iHS has dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the E-PL3 and the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and XZ-2 iHS is 88 and 85 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with the identical resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL3 includes the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.