Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic ZS3

Here is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-300 and Panasonic ZS3, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-300 (8MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is fairly close but the E-300 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-300 was released 5 years prior to the ZS3 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-300 scores versus the ZS3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-300 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-300 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-300 enjoys outside measurements of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") with a weight of 624 grams (1.38 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Olympus E-300 and Panasonic ZS3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the E-300 vs the ZS3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-300 and ZS3 is 67 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by looking through specs. The visual below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-300 and ZS3.

All in all, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-300 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS3 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older E-300 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.