Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic ZR3

Let's examine more in depth at the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic ZR3, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-30 was brought out 10 months prior to the ZR3 and they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-30 grades versus the ZR3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-30 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-30 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-30 comes with outside measurements of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") and a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) while the Panasonic ZR3 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic ZR3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-30 and the ZR3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-30 and ZR3 is 60 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes purely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-30 and ZR3.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-30 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZR3 will provide extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged E-30 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.