Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic SZ3

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-1 and Panasonic SZ3, one being a Pro DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-1 was revealed 10 years prior to the SZ3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-1 grades vs the SZ3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-1 features external measurements of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") along with a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has specifications of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-1 and Panasonic SZ3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the E-1 versus the SZ3.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-1 and SZ3 is 59 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-1 and SZ3.

As you can see, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-1 using its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ3 will offer you more detail because of its extra 11 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older E-1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.