Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FZ100

On this page, we are looking at the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic FZ100, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and FZ100 (14MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FZ100 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

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The E-3 was brought out 3 years before the FZ100 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the E-3 grades versus the FZ100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-3 provides physical measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ100 has dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") along with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic FZ100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-3 versus the FZ100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and FZ100 is 56 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here may give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and FZ100.

Clearly, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-3 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FZ100 will produce extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older E-3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.