Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS60

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS60, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and ZS60 (18MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and ZS60 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was revealed 5 years prior to the ZS60 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS60 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the E-PL3 grades vs the ZS60 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS60 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 has got 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) while the Panasonic ZS60 has specifications of 112mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS60 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL3 vs the ZS60.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and ZS60 is 88 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The visual here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and ZS60.

As you can tell, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS60 will produce greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The older E-PL3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.