Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic S3

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic S3, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and S3 (14MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was introduced 3 years before the S3 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-3 scores vs the S3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 provides outer 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 S3 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic S3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-3 versus the S3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and S3 is 56 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizes merely by looking through a spec sheet. The pic underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and S3.

Clearly, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-3 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic S3 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged E-3 will be behind in sensor innovation.