Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax RS1500

Let's look much closer at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax RS1500, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the RS1500 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and RS1500 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was revealed 7 months later than the RS1500 and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-PL3 grades versus the RS1500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Pentax Optio RS1500. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you should consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 provides external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Pentax RS1500 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax RS1500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL3 and the RS1500.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and RS1500 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizing purely by researching specifications. The graphic underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and RS1500.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax RS1500 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger E-PL3 should have an edge in sensor tech.