Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax RZ18

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax RZ18, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and RZ18 (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was launched very close to the RZ18 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-PL3 scores against the RZ18 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax RZ18 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL3 and the RZ18.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and RZ18 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing purely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and RZ18.

As you can see, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Pentax RZ18 will give more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively.