Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic ZS70

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic ZS70, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and ZS70 (20MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and ZS70 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was introduced 6 years before the ZS70 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS70 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL3 scores versus the ZS70 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS70 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys exterior 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 ZS70 has measurements of 112mm x 67mm x 41mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") having a weight of 322 grams (0.71 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic ZS70 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL3 and the ZS70.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and ZS70 is 88 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor sizing merely by reading specifications. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and ZS70.

To sum up, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS70 will offer more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.