Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax 645D

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax 645D, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Pro DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and 645D (40MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and 645D (Medium format) come with different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-PL3 was announced 19 months after the 645D making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-PL3 grades versus the 645D when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax 645D. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax 645D Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 has outside 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 Pentax 645D has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") and a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax 645D in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 vs the 645D.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and 645D is 88 and 50 respectively.

Often, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic here may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and 645D.

Clearly, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Pentax 645D will offer you greater detail with its extra 28MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The newer E-PL3 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.