Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic GF3

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic GF3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and GF3 (12MP) but they possess the same exact sensor size (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL8 was manufactured 5 years after the GF3 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PL8 scores against the GF3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL8 has outer measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF3 has sizing of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic GF3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-PL8 versus the GF3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and GF3 is 86 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and GF3.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should count on the Olympus E-PL8 to provide greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more modern E-PL8 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.