Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung GX-20

Below is a detailed analysis of the Olympus E-PL3 and Samsung GX-20, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the GX-20 (15MP) is very well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and GX-20 (APS-C) feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was revealed 3 years later than the GX-20 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung GX-20 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PL3 scores against the GX-20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Samsung GX-20. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Samsung GX-20 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 has got external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Samsung GX-20 has specifications of 142mm x 101mm x 72mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL3 and Samsung GX-20 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL3 against the GX-20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and GX-20 is 88 and 58 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at specs. The graphic below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and GX-20.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Samsung GX-20 will give you greater detail because of its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more recent E-PL3 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.