Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax I-10

Here is a complete review of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax I-10, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the I-10 (12MP) is very close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and I-10 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The E-PL3 was released 21 months later than the I-10 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax I-10 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-PL3 matches up against the I-10 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Pentax Optio I-10. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Pentax I-10 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys outer 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) whilst the Pentax I-10 has sizing of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax I-10 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the I-10.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and I-10 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing simply by researching specifications. The photograph below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and I-10.

To sum up, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact MP but different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 uses the larger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The newer E-PL3 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.