Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic SZ3

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic SZ3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL9 was released 5 years after the SZ3 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PL9 scores vs the SZ3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL9 has got external dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has proportions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic SZ3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL9 and the SZ3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and SZ3 is 85 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by looking at specs. The image below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL9 and SZ3.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras posses the exact same MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL9 uses the bigger sensor which will make getting shallower DOF easier. The more recent E-PL9 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.