Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic ZR3

Here, we are comparing the Olympus E-1 and Panasonic ZR3, former is a Pro DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and ZR3 (14MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-1 was announced 7 years earlier than the ZR3 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-1 grades against the ZR3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-1 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-1 enjoys outer dimensions of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") and a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR3 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus E-1 and Panasonic ZR3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the E-1 compared to the ZR3.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-1 and ZR3 is 59 and 94 respectively.

Often, its hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions merely by checking a spec sheet. The pic underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-1 and ZR3.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-1 using its larger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic ZR3 will resolve extra detail with its extra 9MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged E-1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.