Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic 3D1

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic 3D1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured very close to the 3D1 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PL3 grades against the 3D1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Panasonic 3D1 has dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic 3D1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL3 vs the 3D1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and 3D1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at technical specs. The pic here will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and 3D1.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have got the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 contains the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF simpler.