Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic SZ1

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic SZ1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was introduced 3 months prior to the SZ1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a short view of how the E-PL3 matches up against the SZ1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic SZ1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 vs the SZ1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and SZ1 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and SZ1.

As you can see, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ1 will resolve greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively.