Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FS42

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic FS42, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the FS42 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FS42 (1/2.5") offer different sensor measurements.

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The E-3 was released 14 months earlier than the FS42 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-3 matches up vs the FS42 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-3 has got outside dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic FS42 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-3 vs the FS42.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and FS42 is 56 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes merely by looking at technical specs. The image underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-3 and FS42.

As you can tell, the two cameras come with the identical megapixel count albeit different sensor sizes. The E-3 includes the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult. The more aged E-3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.