Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-7

Here is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-7, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and K-7 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was launched 24 months later than the K-7 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-PL3 matches up against the K-7 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax K-7. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax K-7 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 features outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Pentax K-7 has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-7 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL3 and the K-7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and K-7 is 88 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The photograph here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and K-7.

As you can tell, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-7 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images much more aggressively. The newer E-PL3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.