Olympus E-3 vs Pentax K-x
56 Imaging
44 Features
56 Overall
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69 Imaging
51 Features
47 Overall
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Olympus E-3 vs Pentax K-x Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 2.5" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- No Video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 890g - 142 x 116 x 75mm
- Revealed February 2008
- Succeeded the Olympus E-1
- Updated by Olympus E-5
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Raise to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Released December 2009
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Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-3 and Pentax K-x, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the K-x (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and K-x (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe E-3 was launched 22 months prior to the K-x which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.
Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-3 matches up against the K-x with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
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Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Pentax K-x. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Pentax K-x Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-3 over the Pentax K-x
| E-3 | K-x | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Fully Articulated | Fixed | Fully Articulating screen | |
| Selfie screen | Take selfies |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Olympus E-3
| K-x | E-3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | December 2009 | February 2008 | Newer by 22 months | |
| Screen size | 2.7" | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Common features in the Olympus E-3 and Pentax K-x
| E-3 | K-x | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | More accurate focusing | |||
| Screen resolution | 230k | 230k | Equal screen resolution | |
| Touch screen | Lack of Touch screen |
Olympus E-3 vs Pentax K-x Physical Comparison
For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-3 features physical measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Pentax K-x has sizing of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).
Analyze the Olympus E-3 and Pentax K-x in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the E-3 against the K-x.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and K-x is 56 and 69 respectively.
Olympus E-3 vs Pentax K-x Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reviewing specifications. The picture below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and K-x.
To sum up, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-3 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-x will offer extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged E-3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.
Olympus E-3 vs Pentax K-x Screen and ViewFinder
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Olympus E-3 vs Pentax K-x Specifications
| Olympus E-3 | Pentax K-x | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Company | Olympus | Pentax |
| Model | Olympus E-3 | Pentax K-x |
| Class | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
| Revealed | 2008-02-20 | 2009-12-23 |
| Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Compact SLR |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor Chip | TruePic III | Prime |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
| Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm |
| Sensor area | 224.9mm² | 372.9mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 3:2 |
| Peak resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4288 x 2848 |
| Highest native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
| Highest enhanced ISO | - | 12800 |
| Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW photos | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focus | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Single autofocus | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detect focus | ||
| Contract detect focus | ||
| Phase detect focus | ||
| Number of focus points | 11 | 11 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax KAF2 |
| Total lenses | 45 | 151 |
| Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Type of display | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
| Display sizing | 2.5" | 2.7" |
| Resolution of display | 230 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch operation | ||
| Display tech | - | TFT LCD monitor |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 96% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.58x | 0.57x |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 secs | 30 secs |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/6000 secs |
| Continuous shutter rate | 5.0 frames per sec | 5.0 frames per sec |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual mode | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Custom white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash range | 13.00 m | 16.00 m |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto FP, Manual, Red-Eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AEB | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Fastest flash synchronize | 1/250 secs | 1/180 secs |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | - | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) |
| Highest video resolution | None | 1280x720 |
| Video file format | - | Motion JPEG |
| Microphone port | ||
| Headphone port | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 890g (1.96 lbs) | 580g (1.28 lbs) |
| Physical dimensions | 142 x 116 x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall score | 56 | 72 |
| DXO Color Depth score | 21.6 | 22.8 |
| DXO Dynamic range score | 10.5 | 12.5 |
| DXO Low light score | 571 | 811 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | - | 1900 photos |
| Battery type | - | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | - | 4 x AA |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Storage type | Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card | SD/SDHC card |
| Card slots | Single | Single |
| Pricing at release | $670 | $600 |