Olympus E-PL5 vs Sony NEX-3

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL5 was announced 2 years later than the NEX-3 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL5 grades versus the NEX-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 provides external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the NEX-3.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and NEX-3 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the gap in sensor measurements just by viewing specs. The visual underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and NEX-3.

All in all, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-PL5 will render extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more recent E-PL5 provides a benefit in sensor tech.