Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony TX66

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony TX66, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and TX66 (18MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and TX66 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was brought out 5 months prior to the TX66 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony TX66 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the E-PL3 matches up against the TX66 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Sony TX66 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 offers 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 TX66 has measurements of 93mm x 54mm x 13mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.5") with a weight of 109 grams (0.24 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony TX66 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL3 against the TX66.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and TX66 is 88 and 97 respectively.

Often, it is tough to envision the difference in sensor measurements only by going through specifications. The photograph below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and TX66.

To sum up, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony TX66 will show greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images more aggressively.