Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic ZS3

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic ZS3, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is very close but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

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The E-3 was introduced 14 months prior to the ZS3 making the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-3 scores versus the ZS3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-3 offers physical 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 ZS3 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic ZS3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-3 compared to the ZS3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and ZS3 is 56 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions just by viewing technical specs. The pic here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-3 and ZS3.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer the same exact megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The E-3 contains the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field easier. The more aged E-3 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.