Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-3 II

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax K-3 II, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and K-3 II (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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

The E-PL3 was revealed 4 years before the K-3 II which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-PL3 scores against the K-3 II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Pentax K-3 II. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 II has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax K-3 II in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the K-3 II.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and K-3 II is 88 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes merely by researching specs. The image here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and K-3 II.

All in all, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-3 II will result in extra detail because of its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.