Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony NEX-3

Here, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL9 and Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL9 was released 7 years after the NEX-3 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL9 matches up against the NEX-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL9 offers exterior dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL9 and Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL9 versus the NEX-3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and NEX-3 is 85 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by checking specs. The picture here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL9 and NEX-3.

All in all, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL9 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Olympus E-PL9 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more modern E-PL9 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.