Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic ZR3

Lets take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic ZR3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was brought out 8 years later than the ZR3 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL9 scores vs the ZR3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 has outer measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic ZR3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL9 versus the ZR3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and ZR3 is 85 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing merely by reading specs. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and ZR3.

All in all, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL9 will offer extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger E-PL9 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.