Olympus E-30 vs Pentax K-3

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-30 and Pentax K-3, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-30 (12MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the E-30 (Four Thirds) and K-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The E-30 was introduced 6 years earlier than the K-3 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-30 matches up vs the K-3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-30 and Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-30 has physical measurements of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") with a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-30 and Pentax K-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-30 compared to the K-3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-30 and K-3 is 60 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The visual underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-30 and K-3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-30 using its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Pentax K-3 will offer you extra detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older E-30 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.