Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FZ1000 II

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FZ1000 II, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and FZ1000 II (20MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FZ1000 II (1") provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was launched 8 years before the FZ1000 II and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 II being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the FZ1000 II in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic FZ1000 II Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 has got exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ1000 II has sizing of 136mm x 97mm x 132mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 5.2") along with a weight of 808 grams (1.78 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FZ1000 II in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 versus the FZ1000 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and FZ1000 II is 88 and 55 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specs. The graphic here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and FZ1000 II.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FZ1000 II will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.