Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX30V

Here is a thorough analysis of the Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX30V, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and HX30V (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-3 was brought out 5 years earlier than the HX30V and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick view of how the E-3 scores against the HX30V in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-3 features external measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Sony HX30V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-3 vs Sony HX30V in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-3 versus the HX30V.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and HX30V is 56 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading through specs. The graphic below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and HX30V.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-3 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony HX30V will give you more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older E-3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.