Olympus E-3 vs Olympus FE-45

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-3 versus Olympus FE-45, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Olympus. The resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the FE-45 (10MP) is relatively similar but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FE-45 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-3 was released 10 months earlier than the FE-45 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus FE-45 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-3 matches up vs the FE-45 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Olympus FE-45. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Olympus FE-45 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera often, you have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 features external measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Olympus FE-45 has specifications of 94mm x 62mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-3 versus Olympus FE-45 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-3 vs the FE-45.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and FE-45 is 56 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements only by going over technical specs. The photograph underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and FE-45.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The E-3 comes with the bigger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF simpler. The older E-3 is going to be behind in sensor tech.