Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony A3000

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony A3000, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the A3000 (20MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and A3000 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL5 was released 11 months prior to the A3000 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A3000 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL5 matches up against the A3000 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Alpha A3000. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony A3000 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 offers external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Sony A3000 has sizing of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony A3000 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL5 vs the A3000.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and A3000 is 88 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by going over specs. The image underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and A3000.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL5 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A3000 will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more aged E-PL5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.