Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS35

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic ZS35, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and ZS35 (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and ZS35 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was released 3 years before the ZS35 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS35 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-PL3 grades against the ZS35 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS35 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS35 has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic ZS35 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the ZS35.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and ZS35 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading a spec sheet. The visual below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and ZS35.

As you can see, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS35 will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.