Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZR3

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic ZR3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was launched 23 months later than the ZR3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-PM1 scores against the ZR3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM1 has external dimensions 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 ZR3 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic ZR3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PM1 vs the ZR3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and ZR3 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements merely by viewing specs. The visual here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and ZR3.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZR3 will render extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer E-PM1 provides a benefit in sensor tech.