Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony RX100

Here is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony RX100, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and RX100 (1") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was unveiled 11 months prior to the RX100 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL3 scores vs the RX100 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 has got outside 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) whilst the Sony RX100 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony RX100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL3 vs the RX100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and RX100 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over technical specs. The graphic below might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and RX100.

As you have seen, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Sony RX100 will offer you greater detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.