Olympus E-3 vs Sony S980

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus E-3 and Sony S980, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and S980 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-3 was revealed 12 months prior to the S980 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-3 matches up vs the S980 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-3 provides exterior dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-3 and Sony S980 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E-3 vs the S980.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and S980 is 56 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by going over technical specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-3 and S980.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-3 having a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Sony S980 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older E-3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.