Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic ZS15

The following is a complete review of the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic ZS15, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and ZS15 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The E-3 was revealed 5 years prior to the ZS15 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-3 matches up versus the ZS15 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 has exterior measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS15 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic ZS15 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the E-3 versus the ZS15.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and ZS15 is 56 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The image below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-3 and ZS15.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-3 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS15 will deliver more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged E-3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.