Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic GM5

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic GM5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and GM5 (16MP) but they use the exact same sensor size (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL3 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the GM5 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PL3 matches up versus the GM5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 offers physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM5 has proportions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic GM5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 versus the GM5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and GM5 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements just by looking at technical specs. The photograph here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and GM5.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You can expect to see the Panasonic GM5 to give more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos much more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.