Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-F3

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-F3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and NEX-F3 (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and NEX-F3 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was released 11 months prior to the NEX-F3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-PL3 scores versus the NEX-F3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 features external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Sony NEX-F3 has proportions of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-F3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the NEX-F3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and NEX-F3 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing only by checking out specs. The photograph underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and NEX-F3.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-F3 will show extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older E-PL3 will be behind in sensor technology.