Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic G2

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic G2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the G2 (12MP) is pretty similar and both cameras provide the same sensor size (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL3 was announced 15 months after the G2 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the G2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic G2 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 offers outer 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) and the Panasonic G2 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic G2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 and the G2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and G2 is 88 and 72 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes simply by going over a spec sheet. The picture underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and G2.

As you can see, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same MP so you should expect similar quality of photos but you should always factor the production date of the products into consideration. The more modern E-PL3 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.