Olympus E-3 vs Pentax K-r

Following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus E-3 and Pentax K-r, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the K-r (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and K-r (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The E-3 was brought out 4 years prior to the K-r which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-3 matches up versus the K-r when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-3 and Pentax K-r. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 has physical measurements 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 Pentax K-r has specifications of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-3 and Pentax K-r in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-3 and the K-r.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and K-r is 56 and 67 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing specs. The picture below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and K-r.

As you can plainly see, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-3 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-r will show greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged E-3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.