Olympus E-3 vs Olympus SP-100

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-3 and Olympus SP-100, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Olympus. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and SP-100 (16MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and SP-100 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was launched 7 years earlier than the SP-100 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-3 grades versus the SP-100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Olympus Stylus SP-100. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Olympus SP-100 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 enjoys outer dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Olympus SP-100 has specifications of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") having a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-3 and Olympus SP-100 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the E-3 and the SP-100.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and SP-100 is 56 and 63 respectively.

Generally, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading a spec sheet. The picture underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-3 and SP-100.

Clearly, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-3 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus SP-100 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.