Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic SZ3

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic SZ3, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-3 was announced 5 years prior to the SZ3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-3 matches up against the SZ3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-3 offers exterior dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has proportions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic SZ3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-3 against the SZ3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and SZ3 is 56 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specifications. The graphic underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-3 and SZ3.

To sum up, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-3 using its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Panasonic SZ3 will deliver extra detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The older E-3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.