Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic LX7

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic LX7, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the LX7 (10MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and LX7 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL3 was brought out 13 months before the LX7 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL3 scores against the LX7 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. 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) whilst the Panasonic LX7 has proportions of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic LX7 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the LX7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and LX7 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specs. The image here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and LX7.

All in all, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL3 will offer you extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.