Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic TS5

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic TS5, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and TS5 (16MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and TS5 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The E-3 was manufactured 6 years before the TS5 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic TS5 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-3 grades against the TS5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Panasonic TS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-3 provides physical 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) whilst the Panasonic TS5 has measurements of 110mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic TS5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-3 and the TS5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and TS5 is 56 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing purely by reviewing technical specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and TS5.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-3 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic TS5 will deliver extra detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The older E-3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.