Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax E70

The following is a in-depth overview of the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax E70, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the E70 (10MP) is relatively close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and E70 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was brought out 2 years after the E70 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E70 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PL3 scores vs the E70 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Pentax Optio E70. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Pentax E70 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 features exterior 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) and the Pentax E70 has measurements of 94mm x 61mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.0") along with a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax E70 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL3 vs the E70.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and E70 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by researching technical specs. The pic underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and E70.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL3 will provide you with extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The younger E-PL3 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.