Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic SZ3

Here is a complete overview of the Olympus E-510 versus Panasonic SZ3, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-510 was launched 6 years prior to the SZ3 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the E-510 grades versus the SZ3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-510 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-510 comes with external measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ3 has measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-510 versus Panasonic SZ3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-510 and the SZ3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and SZ3 is 69 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by going over technical specs. The visual below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and SZ3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-510 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic SZ3 will offer more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older E-510 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.