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Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony A7R II

The Olympus PEN E-PL3 and the Sony Alpha A7R II are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in June 2011 and June 2015. Both the E-PL3 and the A7R II are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (E-PL3) and a full frame (A7R II) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 42.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-PL3
versus
Sony A7R II
Olympus E-PL3   Sony A7R II
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 42.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60i Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 200-12,800 ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 102,400)
Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 3.0" LCD – 1229k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
5.5 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
300 shots per battery charge290 shots per battery charge
110 x 64 x 37 mm, 313 g 127 x 96 x 60 mm, 625 g
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Check E-PL3 offers at
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Check A7R II offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus PEN E-PL3 and the Sony Alpha A7R II? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Olympus E-PL3 and the Sony A7R II are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL3 can be obtained in four different colors (black, silver, red, white), while the A7R II is only available in black.

Size Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony A7R II
Compare E-PL3 versus A7R II top
Comparison E-PL3 or A7R II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7R II is considerably larger (73 percent) than the Olympus E-PL3. Moreover, the A7R II is substantially heavier (100 percent) than the E-PL3. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7R II is splash and dust-proof, while the E-PL3 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-PL3) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7R II). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the E-PL3 gets 300 shots out of its Olympus BLS-5 battery, while the A7R II can take 290 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the A7R II can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n Sep 2012 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 n Jun 2011 799ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 n Feb 2010 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-P2 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Nov 2009 799ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7S II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 627 g 370 Y Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The E-PL3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 81 percent) than the A7R II, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-PL3 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sony A7R II a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7R II is 283 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the E-PL3 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A7R II offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus E-PL3 and Sony A7R II sensor measures

With 42.2MP, the A7R II offers a higher resolution than the E-PL3 (12.2MP), but the A7R II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.52μm versus 4.29μm for the E-PL3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A7R II is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 11 months) than the E-PL3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A7R II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 39.8 x 26.5 inches or 101 x 67.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 31.8 x 21.2 inches or 80.8 x 53.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 26.5 x 17.7 inches or 67.3 x 44.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PL3 are 20.2 x 15.1 inches or 51.2 x 38.4 cm for good quality, 16.1 x 12.1 inches or 41 x 30.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.4 x 10.1 inches or 34.1 x 25.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7R II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Olympus PEN E-PL3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7R II are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the E-PL3 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A7R II uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

E-PL3 versus A7R II MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7R II offers substantially better image quality than the E-PL3 (overall score 46 points higher). The advantage is based on 5.1 bits higher color depth, 3.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
2.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
3.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
4.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
5.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
8.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
9.
 
Olympus E-P2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.450556
10.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
11.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
12.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
13.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
14.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
15.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
16.
 
Sony A7S II Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/30p23.613.3299385
17.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A7R II provides a better video resolution than the E-PL3. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the A7R II has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL3 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PL3 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony A7R II along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
2.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
4.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
5.
 
Olympus E-P3optional n3.0 / 614 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Olympus E-P2optional n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
13.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7S II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The E-PL3 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the A7R II does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7R II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The E-PL3 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7R II uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A7R II supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the E-PL3 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Sony Alpha A7R II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
3.
 
Olympus E-PL5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Olympus E-PM2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Olympus E-P3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-PL1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-P2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A7S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the A7R II offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the E-PL3 does not provide wifi capability.

Both the E-PL3 and the A7R II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-PL3 was replaced by the Olympus E-PL5, while the A7R II was followed by the Sony A7R III. Further information on the features and operation of the E-PL3 and A7R II can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-PL3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7R II Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Olympus E-PL3 or the Sony A7R II – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Olympus PEN E-PL3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x64mm vs 127x96mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 312g or 50 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (81 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in June 2011).

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha A7R II:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (42.2 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 90%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (46 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (5.1 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (3.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 11 months of technical progress since the E-PL3 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A7R II is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 6 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-PL3 06:20 A7R II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-PL3 and the Sony A7R II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the E-PL3 and the A7R II in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 799ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-P23/5+..69/1004/54.5/5 Nov 2009 799ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7S II5/5+....4.5/55/5 Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony A7R II

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Olympus E-PL3 Sony A7R II
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date June 2011 June 2015
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 3,199
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony A7R II
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 42.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4032 x 3024 pixels 7952 x 5304 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.29 μm 4.52 μm
    Pixel Density 5.42 MP/cm2 4.90 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor Truepic VI BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 52 98
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.9 26.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.3 13.9
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 499 3434
    Screen Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony A7R II
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 1229k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony A7R II
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.5 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony A7R II
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony A7R II
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Olympus BLS-5 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge290 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 110 x 64 x 37 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 in)
    127 x 96 x 60 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4 in)
    Camera Weight 313 g (11.0 oz) 625 g (22.0 oz)
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