Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic ZR3

Here, we are comparing the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic ZR3, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and ZR3 (14MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-3 was revealed 23 months earlier than the ZR3 making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-3 grades against the ZR3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 has outside measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Panasonic ZR3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic ZR3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the E-3 versus the ZR3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and ZR3 is 56 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specifications. The pic below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and ZR3.

Plainly, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-3 with its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic ZR3 will give you greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.