Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic ZR3

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus E-600 versus Panasonic ZR3, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-600 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-600 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-600 was announced 4 months earlier than the ZR3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-600 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-600 grades vs the ZR3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-600 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-600 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-600 comes with outer dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") along with a weight of 515 grams (1.14 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-600 versus Panasonic ZR3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-600 against the ZR3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-600 and ZR3 is 71 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The visual underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-600 and ZR3.

All in all, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-600 having a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZR3 will give greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images way more aggressively.