Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to look closer at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and ZS3 (10MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

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The E-PM2 was announced 4 years later than the ZS3 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PM2 grades vs the ZS3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM2 enjoys outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PM2 compared to the ZS3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and ZS3 is 89 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements merely by looking at specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM2 and ZS3.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PM2 will give you greater detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger E-PM2 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.