Olympus E-3 vs Pentax ist DS2

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax ist DS2, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and ist DS2 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

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The E-3 was manufactured 2 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-3 grades against the ist DS2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-3 features outside dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the E-3 compared to the ist DS2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and ist DS2 is 56 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizes just by checking specs. The picture below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-3 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-3 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Olympus E-3 will resolve extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The newer E-3 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.