Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic S2

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic S2, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the S2 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was released 3 months before the S2 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL3 scores versus the S2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 offers 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 S2 has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic S2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that moment. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 vs the S2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and S2 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes just by going over specs. The picture here will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and S2.

All in all, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic S2 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively.