Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FZ60

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FZ60, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and FZ60 (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FZ60 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was revealed 10 months earlier than the FZ60 and they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ60 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the FZ60 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ60. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic FZ60 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 has outside dimensions 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 FZ60 has dimensions of 120mm x 81mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 493 grams (1.09 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FZ60 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 versus the FZ60.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and FZ60 is 88 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to see the difference between sensor sizes purely by going over technical specs. The picture underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and FZ60.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FZ60 will deliver extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.