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Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-C3

The Olympus PEN E-PL3 and the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public in June 2011. Both the E-PL3 and the NEX-C3 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (E-PL3) and an APS-C (NEX-C3) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 16 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 NEX-C3
Olympus E-PL3   Sony NEX-C3
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 16 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60i Video 720/30p Video
ISO 200-12,800 ISO 100-12,800
Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
5.5 shutter flaps per second 5.5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
300 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
110 x 64 x 37 mm, 313 g 110 x 60 x 33 mm, 225 g
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Check E-PL3 offers at
ebay.com
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Check NEX-C3 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 NEX-C3? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Olympus E-PL3 and the Sony NEX-C3 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL3 can be obtained in four different colors (black, silver, red, white), while the NEX-C3 is available in three color-versions (black, silver, pink).

Size Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-C3
Compare E-PL3 versus NEX-C3 top
Comparison E-PL3 or NEX-C3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony NEX-C3 is notably smaller (6 percent) than the Olympus E-PL3. Moreover, the NEX-C3 is markedly lighter (28 percent) than the E-PL3. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the E-PL3 nor the NEX-C3 are weather-sealed.

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 E-Mount Lens Catalog (NEX-C3). 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 NEX-C3 can take 400 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 i Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-C3 110 mm 60 mm 33 mm 225 g 400 i Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-P2 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 i Nov 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 i Jun 2011 US$ 799ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 i Feb 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 i Jan 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 i Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 i Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 i Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 i Nov 2010 US$ 549ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 i Jun 2011 US$ 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 i Apr 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-3 117 mm 62 mm 33 mm 297 g 330 i May 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N 110 mm 62 mm 35 mm 269 g 480 i Feb 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-5 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 287 g 330 i May 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 i Aug 2011 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-F3 117 mm 67 mm 42 mm 314 g 470 i May 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

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 two cameras under review were launched at the same price and fall into the same 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and 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 NEX-C3 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the NEX-C3 is 62 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.5. The sensor in the E-PL3 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the NEX-C3 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus E-PL3 and Sony NEX-C3 sensor measures

With 16MP, the NEX-C3 offers a higher resolution than the E-PL3 (12.2MP), but the NEX-C3 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.78μm versus 4.29μm for the E-PL3) due to its larger sensor. It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation.

The resolution advantage of the Sony NEX-C3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the NEX-C3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.4 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.9 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.6 x 27.6 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 Olympus PEN E-PL3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. 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 NEX-C3 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the NEX-C3 offers substantially better image quality than the E-PL3 (overall score 21 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.8 bits higher color depth, 1.9 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.1 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
  empty 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 NEX-C3 APS-C 16.0 4912 3264720/30p22.712.2108373
3.
 
Olympus E-P2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.450556
4.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
5.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
7.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
9.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
10.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
11.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
12.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
13.
 
Sony NEX-3 APS-C 14.0 4592 3056720/30p22.112.083068
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.812.5106774
15.
 
Sony NEX-5 APS-C 14.0 4592 30561080/60i22.212.279669
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.612.7107977
17.
 
Sony NEX-F3 APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.712.3111473
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the E-PL3 provides a higher video resolution than the NEX-C3. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60i, while the Sony is limited to 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The E-PL3 and the NEX-C3 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. However, optional viewfinders – the VF-2 for the E-PL3 and the FDA-SV1 for the NEX-C3 – are available as accessories. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Olympus E-PL3 and Sony NEX-C3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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 i3.0 / 460 tilting i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
2.
 
Sony NEX-C3optional i3.0 / 920 tilting i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
3.
 
Olympus E-P2optional i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
4.
 
Olympus E-P3optional i3.0 / 614 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
5.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional i2.7 / 230 fixed i 1/2000s 3.0/s i i
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
7.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional i3.0 / 460 tilting i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
9.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
10.
 
Panasonic GF2optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 2.6/s i i
11.
 
Panasonic GF3i i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 3.2/s i i
12.
 
Panasonic GF5i i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
13.
 
Sony NEX-3optional i3.0 / 920 tilting i 1/4000s 7.0/s i i
14.
 
Sony NEX-3Noptional i3.0 / 460 tilting i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
15.
 
Sony NEX-5optional i3.0 / 920 tilting i 1/4000s 7.0/s i i
16.
 
Sony NEX-5Noptional i3.0 / 920 tilting i 1/4000s 10.0/s i i
17.
 
Sony NEX-F3optional i3.0 / 920 tilting i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty 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
  empty Camera
Model

One feature that differentiates the E-PL3 and the NEX-C3 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The E-PL3 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the NEX-C3 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

The E-PL3 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the NEX-C3 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.

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 NEX-C3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-PL3istereo / iiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Sony NEX-C3istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
3.
 
Olympus E-P2istereo / iiimini2.0iii
4.
 
Olympus E-P3istereo / iiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Olympus E-PL1istereo / iiimini2.0iii
6.
 
Olympus E-PL2istereo / iiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Olympus E-PL5istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
9.
 
Olympus E-PM2istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Panasonic GF2istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
11.
 
Panasonic GF3istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Panasonic GF5istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Sony NEX-3istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
14.
 
Sony NEX-3Nistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
15.
 
Sony NEX-5istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
16.
 
Sony NEX-5Nistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
17.
 
Sony NEX-F3istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

Both the E-PL3 and the NEX-C3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-PL3 was replaced by the Olympus E-PL5, while the NEX-C3 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the E-PL3 and NEX-C3 can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-PL3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony NEX-C3 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus E-PL3 and the Sony NEX-C3? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PL3:

  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/60i vs 720/30p).
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha NEX-C3:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (16 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 17%.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.8 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.9 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 460k dots).
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 88g or 28 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (400 versus 300) out of a single battery charge.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the NEX-C3 is the clear winner of the contest (8 : 2 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-PL3 02:08 NEX-C3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-PL3 and the Sony NEX-C3 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the E-PL3 or the NEX-C3 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera 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
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-C33/5+ +..74/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-P23/5+..69/1004/54.5/5 Nov 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 US$ 799ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 US$ 549ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 US$ 549ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-3......70/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N3/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-53/5+ +..71/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-F34/5....74/1004.5/54.5/5 May 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check E-PL3 offers at
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Check NEX-C3 offers at
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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 a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony NEX-C3

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 NEX-C3
Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
Launch Date June 2011 June 2011
Launch Price USD 599 USD 599
Sensor Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony NEX-C3
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor APS-C Sensor
Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 23.4 x 15.6 mm
Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 365.04 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 28.1 mm
Crop Factor 2.0x 1.5x
Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 16 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4032 x 3024 pixels 4912 x 3264 pixels
Pixel Pitch 4.29 μm 4.78 μm
Pixel Density 5.42 MP/cm2 4.39 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 720/30p Video
ISO Setting 200 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
Image Processor Truepic VI BIONZ
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 52 73
DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.9 22.7
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.3 12.2
DXO Low Light (ISO) 499 1083
Screen Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony NEX-C3
Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 460k dots 920k dots
LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
Shooting Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony NEX-C3
Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
Continuous Shooting 5.5 shutter flaps/s 5.5 shutter flaps/s
Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
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 no
Connectivity Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony NEX-C3
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
Body Specs Olympus E-PL3 Sony NEX-C3
Battery Type Olympus BLS-5 Sony NP-FW50
Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge400 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 110 x 64 x 37 mm
(4.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 in)
110 x 60 x 33 mm
(4.3 x 2.4 x 1.3 in)
Camera Weight 313 g (11.0 oz) 225 g (7.9 oz)
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