Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony NEX-3

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-PM2 versus Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was launched 2 years after the NEX-3 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PM2 grades vs the NEX-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 provides 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) and the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM2 versus Sony NEX-3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PM2 compared to the NEX-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and NEX-3 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizes merely by going through technical specs. The picture underneath will provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and NEX-3.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Olympus E-PM2 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger E-PM2 will have an edge in sensor innovation.