Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony TX1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony TX1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the TX1 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and TX1 (1/2.4") come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was announced 2 years after the TX1 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony TX1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PL3 grades against the TX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Sony TX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 offers physical measurements 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 Sony TX1 has sizing of 94mm x 58mm x 17mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony TX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL3 vs the TX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and TX1 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading through technical specs. The image below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and TX1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PL3 will give extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer E-PL3 should have an advantage in sensor tech.