Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZR3

Below is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic ZR3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is very close but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PM2 was unveiled 3 years later than the ZR3 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 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-PM2 scores against the ZR3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 has got exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while 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).

Check out the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic ZR3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM2 versus the ZR3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and ZR3 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and ZR3.

As you can see, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 having a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PM2 will render greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos much more aggressively. The more recent E-PM2 will have an edge in sensor tech.