Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic SZ3

The following is a extensive overview of the Olympus E-300 and Panasonic SZ3, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the E-300 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-300 was launched 9 years prior to the SZ3 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-300 grades versus the SZ3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-300 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-300 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-300 comes with outer measurements of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") having a weight of 624 grams (1.38 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has specifications of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-300 and Panasonic SZ3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-300 compared to the SZ3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-300 and SZ3 is 67 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading a spec sheet. The picture underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-300 and SZ3.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-300 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic SZ3 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged E-300 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.