Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FH3

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus E-30 and Panasonic FH3, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is fairly similar but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and FH3 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The E-30 was unveiled 9 months before the FH3 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-30 scores vs the FH3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-30 provides external dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-30 and Panasonic FH3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-30 versus the FH3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-30 and FH3 is 60 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes only by reviewing specs. The picture underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-30 and FH3.

All in all, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-30 using its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh easier and the Panasonic FH3 will offer you greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged E-30 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.