Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic 3D1

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-1 and Panasonic 3D1, former is a Pro DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and 3D1 (12MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-1 was manufactured 9 years before the 3D1 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-1 scores vs the 3D1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-1 Gallery & Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-1 has got outer measurements of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") and a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) and the Panasonic 3D1 has specifications of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

See the Olympus E-1 and Panasonic 3D1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the E-1 against the 3D1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-1 and 3D1 is 59 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by reading specs. The pic below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-1 and 3D1.

All in all, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-1 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic 3D1 will offer you greater detail due to its extra 7MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.