Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS1

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was announced 2 years after the ZS1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL3 grades against the ZS1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 features 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 ZS1 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 and the ZS1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and ZS1 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor dimensions just by seeing specs. The pic underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and ZS1.

All in all, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 having a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Olympus E-PL3 will produce more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 will have an advantage in sensor tech.