Olympus E-620 vs Panasonic ZS3

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus E-620 vs Panasonic ZS3, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-620 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is very comparable but the E-620 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-620 was announced 2 months later than the ZS3 so they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-620 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-620 scores against the ZS3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-620 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-620 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-620 has outer measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") having a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-620 vs Panasonic ZS3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-620 compared to the ZS3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-620 and ZS3 is 71 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by going through technical specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-620 and ZS3.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-620 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-620 will produce greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos far more aggressively.