Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS15

Here is a in-depth overview of the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS15, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and ZS15 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was revealed 9 months prior to the ZS15 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PL3 grades vs the ZS15 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 has got external dimensions 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 ZS15 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS15 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 and the ZS15.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and ZS15 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at technical specs. The visual underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and ZS15.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide the same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL3 offers the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field easier. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.