Olympus E-3 vs Pentax WS80

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-3 vs Pentax WS80, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the WS80 (10MP) is relatively comparable but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and WS80 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The E-3 was launched 17 months earlier than the WS80 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax WS80 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-3 matches up against the WS80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Pentax Optio WS80. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-3 offers outer 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) while the Pentax WS80 has sizing of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-3 vs Pentax WS80 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-3 and the WS80.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and WS80 is 56 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements only by going through specs. The graphic here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and WS80.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The E-3 includes the bigger sensor which should make getting shallow depth of field less difficult. The older E-3 will be behind in sensor innovation.