Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic GH3

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic GH3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and GH3 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-PM1 was released 9 months before the GH3 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PM1 scores versus the GH3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 has physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH3 has dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic GH3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the GH3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and GH3 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements purely by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and GH3.

As you can tell, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic GH3 to offer more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.