Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic LF1

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic LF1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the LF1 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and LF1 (1/1.7") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 3 years before the LF1 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LF1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PL3 grades versus the LF1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 provides 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 LF1 has measurements of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic LF1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 versus the LF1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and LF1 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking specifications. The picture here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and LF1.

To sum up, both of these cameras posses the exact same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL3 provides the bigger sensor which should make achieving bokeh easier. The more aged E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.