Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-3

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was manufactured 16 months later than the NEX-3 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-PL3 matches up against the NEX-3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 features physical 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) and the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL3 versus the NEX-3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and NEX-3 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements purely by viewing specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and NEX-3.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will render extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The fresher E-PL3 will have an advantage in sensor tech.