Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic ZS3

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic ZS3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and ZS3 (10MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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

The E-PL5 was manufactured 3 years after the ZS3 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PL5 scores vs the ZS3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 features outer dimensions 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 ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic ZS3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL5 versus the ZS3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and ZS3 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by going through technical specs. The pic underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and ZS3.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL5 will produce greater detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The newer E-PL5 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.