Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic S3

Here is a extensive review of the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic S3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM1 was manufactured 11 months later than the S3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PM1 matches up against the S3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 has outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic S3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PM1 versus the S3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and S3 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph here will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM1 and S3.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic S3 will resolve extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics much more aggressively. The younger E-PM1 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.