Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic ZS3

Here is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic ZS3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and ZS3 (10MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was introduced 7 years later than the ZS3 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL8 scores against the ZS3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 features physical dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS3 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic ZS3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL8 versus the ZS3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and ZS3 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out technical specs. The photograph here should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and ZS3.

As you can tell, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 with its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Olympus E-PL8 will show extra detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics more aggressively. The more recent E-PL8 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.