Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic 3D1

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic 3D1, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-520 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-520 was released 4 years before the 3D1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-520 scores vs the 3D1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-520 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-520 comes with physical measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) while the Panasonic 3D1 has specifications of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

See the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic 3D1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-520 against the 3D1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-520 and 3D1 is 68 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-520 and 3D1.

As you can see, the two cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-520 because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic 3D1 will produce extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E-520 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.