Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic ZS80

On this page, we are comparing the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic ZS80, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and ZS80 (20MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and ZS80 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was introduced 11 years prior to the ZS80 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-3 matches up versus the ZS80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-3 & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-3 has outside measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS80 has measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") with a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic ZS80 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-3 and the ZS80.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and ZS80 is 56 and 86 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading technical specs. The picture here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and ZS80.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-3 using its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic ZS80 will offer greater detail using its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images more aggressively. The more aged E-3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.