Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony NEX-C3

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony NEX-C3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the NEX-C3 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and NEX-C3 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The E-PL8 was revealed 5 years after the NEX-C3 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL8 grades against the NEX-C3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 provides exterior measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-C3 has specifications of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony NEX-C3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL8 against the NEX-C3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and NEX-C3 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions only by seeing technical specs. The image below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and NEX-C3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL8 uses the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower DOF tougher. The younger E-PL8 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.