Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic GF3

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic GF3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is very comparable and they feature the exact same sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL3 was launched 2 months later than the GF3 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going through a full comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PL3 grades vs the GF3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Panasonic GF3 has specifications of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic GF3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL3 vs the GF3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and GF3 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic here may give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and GF3.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the same MP therefore you can expect comparable quality of pictures though you might want to take the launch date of the cameras into account.