Olympus E-3 vs Pentax E85

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax E85, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the E85 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and E85 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-3 was launched 19 months prior to the E85 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-3 scores against the E85 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 and Pentax Optio E85. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Pentax E85 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 comes with 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) whilst the Pentax E85 has specifications of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax E85 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the E-3 against the E85.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and E85 is 56 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by looking through technical specs. The image underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and E85.

As you can tell, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-3 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax E85 will render more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.