Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic G3

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic G3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the G3 (16MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL5 was manufactured 15 months later than the G3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-PL5 scores vs the G3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 provides outer measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Panasonic G3 has proportions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") along with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic G3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL5 against the G3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and G3 is 88 and 83 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing only by checking specs. The graphic below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and G3.

All in all, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size and the exact same resolution and you should expect similar quality of photos however you really should consider the production date of the products into consideration. The younger E-PL5 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.