Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic GH3

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic GH3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is pretty close and they feature the same exact sensor size (Four Thirds).

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-PL5 was launched at a similar time to the GH3 and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PL5 matches up vs the GH3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys outside 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 GH3 has measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic GH3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the GH3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and GH3 is 88 and 66 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching a spec sheet. The pic here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and GH3.

As you can see, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same resolution and you can expect comparable quality of pictures though you should factor the age of the cameras into account.