Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic SZ3

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL6 versus Panasonic SZ3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is very well matched but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL6 was announced 20 months later than the SZ3 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-PL6 matches up versus the SZ3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL6 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL6 comes with outer measurements 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 SZ3 has dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL6 versus Panasonic SZ3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL6 compared to the SZ3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL6 and SZ3 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The visual here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL6 and SZ3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL6 features the larger sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field simpler. The newer E-PL6 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.