Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic GM1

Below is a complete comparison of the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic GM1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and GM1 (16MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor size (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL3 was revealed 3 years earlier than the GM1 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the E-PL3 grades versus the GM1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 offers external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM1 has proportions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic GM1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 and the GM1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and GM1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Usually, its tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements purely by checking specs. The graphic here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and GM1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Panasonic GM1 to give you greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.