Olympus E-3 vs Olympus XZ-1

Lets examine more closely at the Olympus E-3 vs Olympus XZ-1, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Olympus. The resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and XZ-1 (1/1.63") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was launched 3 years before the XZ-1 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-3 matches up against the XZ-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Olympus XZ-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-3 provides outside 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 XZ-1 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-3 vs Olympus XZ-1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the E-3 compared to the XZ-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and XZ-1 is 56 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at a spec sheet. The visual here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-3 and XZ-1.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got the exact same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-3 has got the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh easier. The older E-3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.