Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic SZ7

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic SZ7, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and SZ7 (14MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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

The E-3 was introduced 4 years earlier than the SZ7 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-3 matches up versus the SZ7 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-3 has outer dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ7 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic SZ7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E-3 compared to the SZ7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and SZ7 is 56 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-3 and SZ7.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-3 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic SZ7 will deliver greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E-3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.