Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic SZ3

Here is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-5 versus Panasonic SZ3, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-5 (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the E-5 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") posses different sensor size.

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The E-5 was released 23 months earlier than the SZ3 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-5 grades vs the SZ3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-5 has got outside dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-5 versus Panasonic SZ3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the E-5 against the SZ3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-5 and SZ3 is 58 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading specifications. The graphic below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-5 and SZ3.

Plainly, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-5 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic SZ3 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older E-5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.