Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FZ150

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic FZ150, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the FZ150 (12MP) is fairly similar but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FZ150 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The E-3 was brought out 5 years before the FZ150 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FZ150 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-3 grades vs the FZ150 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Panasonic FZ150 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-3 offers outer measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ150 has dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 528 grams (1.16 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic FZ150 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-3 compared to the FZ150.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and FZ150 is 56 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reviewing technical specs. The pic underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-3 and FZ150.

As you have seen, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-3 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh simpler and the Panasonic FZ150 will offer greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.