Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic ZS1

Following is a extended review of the Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic ZS1, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is very close but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-3 was revealed 14 months before the ZS1 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-3 scores against the ZS1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-3 enjoys physical measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS1 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic ZS1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-3 vs the ZS1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and ZS1 is 56 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes merely by looking through specs. The picture here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and ZS1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The E-3 includes the larger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult. The more aged E-3 will be behind in sensor technology.