Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic SZ5

Here is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic SZ5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was announced 10 months prior to the SZ5 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PL3 grades vs the SZ5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 has 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) while the Panasonic SZ5 has specifications of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic SZ5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the SZ5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and SZ5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at specifications. The photograph here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and SZ5.

Plainly, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ5 will give extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.