Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax P70

Its time to look a little more closely at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax P70, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the P70 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and P70 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was announced 2 years after the P70 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL3 grades versus the P70 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax Optio P70. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax P70 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 has got outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax P70 has proportions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax P70 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL3 against the P70.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and P70 is 88 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes simply by looking at specifications. The pic below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and P70.

Plainly, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 includes the larger sensor which should make getting shallow DOF easier. The younger E-PL3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.