Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty close but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL8 was announced 6 years after the NEX-3 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-PL8 matches up against the NEX-3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 features external dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 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).

Compare the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-PL8 vs the NEX-3.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and NEX-3 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specs. The pic below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and NEX-3.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL8 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Olympus E-PL8 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern E-PL8 should have an edge in sensor innovation.