Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony W380

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony W380, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the W380 (14MP) is pretty close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and W380 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 21 months later than the W380 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W380 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PL3 matches up against the W380 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Sony W380 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 features external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Sony W380 has measurements of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony W380 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-PL3 against the W380.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and W380 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by researching specifications. The graphic underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and W380.

Plainly, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony W380 will provide you with more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 will have a benefit in sensor technology.