Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic ZS3

Below is a extended review of the Olympus E-520 versus Panasonic ZS3, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the E-520 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-520 was announced 8 months before the ZS3 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-520 grades against the ZS3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-520 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-520 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-520 features exterior measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS3 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-520 versus Panasonic ZS3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-520 vs the ZS3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-520 and ZS3 is 68 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to see the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-520 and ZS3.

As you can see, both of these cameras come with the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-520 features the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field easier. The older E-520 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.