Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic 3D1

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-510 versus Panasonic 3D1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") use different sensor measurements.

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The E-510 was announced 5 years before the 3D1 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-510 grades vs the 3D1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-510 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-510 features external measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Panasonic 3D1 has dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-510 versus Panasonic 3D1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-510 compared to the 3D1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-510 and 3D1 is 69 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes just by going over specifications. The image below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and 3D1.

To sum up, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-510 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic 3D1 will offer more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-510 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.