Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony A99

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony A99, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and A99 (24MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and A99 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was unveiled 14 months prior to the A99 making the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL3 grades versus the A99 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony SLT-A99. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Sony A99 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 has external 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) and the Sony A99 has proportions of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") along with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony A99 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 vs the A99.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and A99 is 88 and 57 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to see the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and A99.

As you can see, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A99 will provide greater detail having an extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.