Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS80

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic ZS80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and ZS80 (20MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and ZS80 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was unveiled 7 years prior to the ZS80 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL3 scores vs the ZS80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 features 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 ZS80 has dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") along with a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic ZS80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the ZS80.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and ZS80 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading through technical specs. The pic underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and ZS80.

As you can tell, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS80 will resolve greater detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.