Olympus E-620 vs Panasonic ZR3

Below is a thorough overview of the Olympus E-620 versus Panasonic ZR3, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-620 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is very similar but the E-620 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-620 was unveiled 6 months prior to the ZR3 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-620 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief summary of how the E-620 grades vs the ZR3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-620 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-620 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-620 provides outer dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") having a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus E-620 versus Panasonic ZR3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-620 versus the ZR3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-620 and ZR3 is 71 and 94 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specifications. The visual below might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-620 and ZR3.

To sum up, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-620 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZR3 will offer you greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics way more aggressively.