Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax E85

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax E85, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the E85 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and E85 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 2 years after the E85 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL3 grades versus the E85 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax Optio E85. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax E85 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 has outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Pentax E85 has dimensions of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax E85 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 versus the E85.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and E85 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specifications. The picture underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and E85.

Plainly, the two cameras provide the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL3 features the bigger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF simpler. The newer E-PL3 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.