Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax E90

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax E90, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the E90 (10MP) is very comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and E90 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was revealed 21 months later than the E90 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E90 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PL3 grades against the E90 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax Optio E90. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax E90 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 features external 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 E90 has measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax E90 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the E90.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and E90 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing just by checking out technical specs. The photograph here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and E90.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL3 will produce greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 should have an advantage in sensor tech.