Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-r

Lets look a little more closely at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-r, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the K-r (12MP) is very similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and K-r (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was announced 7 months after the K-r which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the K-r when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax K-r. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with external measurements 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-r has proportions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-r in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL3 versus the K-r.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and K-r is 88 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes just by going over a spec sheet. The picture here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and K-r.

Clearly, the two cameras provide the same resolution but different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 has got the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF more difficult. The more recent E-PL3 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.