Nikon D300S vs Olympus E-3

Below is a extensive comparison of the Nikon D300S versus Olympus E-3, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the D300S (12MP) and the E-3 (10MP) is pretty close but the D300S (APS-C) and E-3 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The D300S was announced 22 months later than the E-3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the D300S grades against the E-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D300S & Olympus E-3. The whole galleries are available at Nikon D300S Gallery & Olympus E-3 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon D300S has exterior dimensions of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") having a weight of 938 grams (2.07 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-3 has sizing of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs).

See the Nikon D300S versus Olympus E-3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the D300S vs the E-3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the D300S and E-3 is 55 and 56 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements purely by looking through technical specs. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the D300S and E-3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The D300S having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Nikon D300S will result in more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern D300S should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.