Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic GH2

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic GH2, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and GH2 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-3 was released 4 years earlier than the GH2 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-3 grades against the GH2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-3 comes with outside measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Panasonic GH2 has measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic GH2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E-3 and the GH2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and GH2 is 56 and 70 respectively.

Usually, its hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing specifications. The graphic underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-3 and GH2.

Plainly, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic GH2 to provide greater detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images far more aggressively. The older E-3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.