Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic G1

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic G1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the G1 (12MP) is pretty similar and they come with the same exact sensor size (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL3 was released 2 years later than the G1 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PL3 scores against the G1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic G1 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 offers external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Panasonic G1 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") along with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic G1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 versus the G1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and G1 is 88 and 82 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements merely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and G1.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the identical MP so you should expect similar quality of images though you need to take the production date of the products into consideration. The newer E-PL3 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.