Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FZ28

Here is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FZ28, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FZ28 (10MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FZ28 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was introduced 2 years later than the FZ28 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ28 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PL3 matches up versus the FZ28 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic FZ28 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 provides exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ28 has sizing of 118mm x 75mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") having a weight of 417 grams (0.92 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FZ28 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the FZ28.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and FZ28 is 88 and 72 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the gap in sensor sizing merely by checking out a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and FZ28.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 having a larger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Olympus E-PL3 will show more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PL3 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.