Olympus E-PL6 vs Sony NEX-3

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL6 versus Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL6 was introduced 4 years later than the NEX-3 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-PL6 grades against the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL6 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL6 features outer 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 specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL6 versus Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL6 versus the NEX-3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL6 and NEX-3 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the contrast in sensor measurements merely by checking out specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL6 and NEX-3.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL6 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus E-PL6 will show extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher E-PL6 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.