Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic ZS3

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic ZS3, one is a Pro DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and ZS3 (10MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The E-1 was unveiled 6 years before the ZS3 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-1 grades versus the ZS3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-1 features outside 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 ZS3 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic ZS3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-1 vs the ZS3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-1 and ZS3 is 59 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by researching specs. The picture underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-1 and ZS3.

All in all, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-1 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZS3 will result in more detail having an extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged E-1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.