Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax RZ10

On this page, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax RZ10, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the RZ10 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and RZ10 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was launched 3 months later than the RZ10 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PL3 matches up versus the RZ10 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Pentax Optio RZ10. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Pentax RZ10 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. 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 RZ10 has dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax RZ10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 and the RZ10.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and RZ10 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and RZ10.

All in all, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax RZ10 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos more aggressively.