Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZR3

Following is a in-depth review of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic ZR3, 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 ZR3 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL3 was announced 21 months after the ZR3 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PL3 scores against the ZR3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys exterior 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 ZR3 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic ZR3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-PL3 vs the ZR3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and ZR3 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading specifications. The picture here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and ZR3.

To sum up, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 having a bigger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZR3 will offer more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent E-PL3 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.