Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic 3D1

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic 3D1, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is very similar but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was launched 4 years earlier than the 3D1 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-3 scores versus the 3D1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 has outside dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Panasonic 3D1 has specifications of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic 3D1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-3 and the 3D1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and 3D1 is 56 and 93 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading technical specs. The pic here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-3 and 3D1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-3 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic 3D1 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics more aggressively. The more aged E-3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.