Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GF3

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic GF3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and GF3 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor size (Four Thirds).

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The E-PM2 was brought out 22 months after the GF3 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PM2 matches up versus the GF3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 comes with outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF3 has specifications of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic GF3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PM2 compared to the GF3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and GF3 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by checking specifications. The picture below will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and GF3.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Olympus E-PM2 to give more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern E-PM2 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.