Olympus E-3 vs Olympus VR-340

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus E-3 and Olympus VR-340, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are offered by Olympus. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and VR-340 (16MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and VR-340 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The E-3 was released 4 years before the VR-340 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-3 scores versus the VR-340 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 & Olympus VR-340. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Olympus VR-340 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-3 provides physical measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Olympus VR-340 has measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-3 and Olympus VR-340 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-3 against the VR-340.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and VR-340 is 56 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes just by viewing specifications. The pic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-3 and VR-340.

To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-3 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh easier and the Olympus VR-340 will provide you with more detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged E-3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.