Olympus E-400 vs Panasonic ZS3

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic ZS3, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-400 (10MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is fairly comparable but the E-400 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-400 was brought out 3 years prior to the ZS3 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-400 grades versus the ZS3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-400 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-400 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-400 provides external dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") having a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS3 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic ZS3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-400 and the ZS3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-400 and ZS3 is 77 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing specs. The visual underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-400 and ZS3.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have got the exact same megapixels but not the same sensor sizing. The E-400 has got the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult. The older E-400 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.