Olympus E-M10 IV vs Panasonic S3

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus E-M10 IV and Panasonic S3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the E-M10 IV (20MP) and S3 (14MP) and the E-M10 IV (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-M10 IV was introduced 9 years later than the S3 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M10 IV being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-M10 IV grades versus the S3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-M10 IV Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M10 IV provides outer measurements of 122mm x 84mm x 49mm (4.8" x 3.3" x 1.9") along with a weight of 383 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M10 IV and Panasonic S3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-M10 IV vs the S3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M10 IV and S3 is 81 and 96 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizing just by seeing specs. The visual below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M10 IV and S3.

All in all, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M10 IV using its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-M10 IV will show more detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images more aggressively. The younger E-M10 IV provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.