Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic S3

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic S3, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

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The E-30 was launched 21 months before the S3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-30 grades vs the S3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-30 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-30 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-30 has got outer dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") with a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic S3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-30 versus the S3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-30 and S3 is 60 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at specifications. The graphic here will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-30 and S3.

To sum up, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-30 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic S3 will give more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The older E-30 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.