Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K100D

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K100D, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and K100D (6MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and K100D (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was announced 4 years later than the K100D and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL3 matches up against the K100D when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax K100D. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 features 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) and the Pentax K100D has proportions of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K100D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL3 against the K100D.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and K100D is 88 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to picture the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing specifications. The graphic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and K100D.

Plainly, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Olympus E-PL3 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The younger E-PL3 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.