Canon 20D vs Olympus E-3

Here, we will be evaluating the Canon 20D versus Olympus E-3, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Canon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 20D (8MP) and the E-3 (10MP) is relatively close but the 20D (APS-C) and E-3 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The 20D was unveiled 4 years earlier than the E-3 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the 20D scores vs the E-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS 20D and Olympus E-3. The full galleries are viewable at Canon 20D Gallery and Olympus E-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon 20D comes with outside measurements of 144mm x 106mm x 72mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 2.8") having a weight of 770 grams (1.70 lbs) while the Olympus E-3 has proportions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs).

See the Canon 20D versus Olympus E-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the 20D and the E-3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the 20D and E-3 is 59 and 56 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specs. The pic below should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the 20D and E-3.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 20D having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-3 will result in extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged 20D will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.