Olympus E-3 vs Pentax K-3

Here, we are looking at the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax K-3, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and K-3 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was revealed 7 years prior to the K-3 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-3 scores against the K-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 and Pentax K-3. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 comes with outer dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax K-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-3 compared to the K-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and K-3 is 56 and 59 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-3 and K-3.

As you can see, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-3 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-3 will deliver more detail because of its extra 14MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older E-3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.