Olympus E-3 vs Pentax H90

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax H90, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the H90 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and H90 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The E-3 was revealed 23 months earlier than the H90 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax H90 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-3 grades against the H90 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Pentax Optio H90. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Pentax H90 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 has got outside 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 Pentax H90 has specifications of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax H90 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the E-3 compared to the H90.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and H90 is 56 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The pic underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-3 and H90.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-3 with its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Pentax H90 will give greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged E-3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.