Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic S3

Its time to look closer at the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic S3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was unveiled 21 months later than the S3 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-PL5 grades versus the S3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic S3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL5 vs the S3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and S3 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and S3.

As you can see, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will give you greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more modern E-PL5 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.