Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FZ200

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FZ200, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FZ200 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FZ200 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was released 10 months before the FZ200 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PL3 matches up versus the FZ200 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic FZ200 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ200 has sizing of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") and a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FZ200 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL3 against the FZ200.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and FZ200 is 88 and 65 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements only by reading through specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and FZ200.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL3 comes with the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF easier. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind in sensor tech.