Olympus E-PL7 vs Sony NEX-3

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL7 vs Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PL7 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL7 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL7 was launched 4 years later than the NEX-3 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-PL7 matches up vs the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL7 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL7 offers outside measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL7 vs Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL7 and the NEX-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL7 and NEX-3 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualize the difference between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL7 and NEX-3.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL7 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus E-PL7 will offer extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics far more aggressively. The younger E-PL7 should have an edge in sensor tech.