Olympus E-3 vs Samsung HZ30W

Here is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-3 versus Samsung HZ30W, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the HZ30W (12MP) is fairly close but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and HZ30W (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-3 was announced 23 months before the HZ30W making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-3 matches up versus the HZ30W with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-3 & Samsung HZ30W. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Samsung HZ30W Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-3 features 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 Samsung HZ30W has measurements of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

See the Olympus E-3 versus Samsung HZ30W in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-3 against the HZ30W.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and HZ30W is 56 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The graphic underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-3 and HZ30W.

Plainly, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-3 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Samsung HZ30W will provide you with greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics way more aggressively. The older E-3 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.