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Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic SZ10

Portability
86
Imaging
47
Features
60
Overall
52
Olympus PEN E-P3 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 front
Portability
93
Imaging
40
Features
34
Overall
37

Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic SZ10 Key Specs

Olympus E-P3
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 369g - 122 x 69 x 34mm
  • Announced August 2011
  • Old Model is Olympus E-P2
  • Newer Model is Olympus E-P5
Panasonic SZ10
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Increase to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-288mm (F3.1-6.3) lens
  • 177g - 99 x 60 x 30mm
  • Announced January 2015
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic SZ10: An In-Depth Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

As a professional who has spent over 15 years rigorously testing cameras across every photography genre imaginable, I often find comparing two very different cameras an exercise in both technical and practical insights. Here, we delve into the Olympus PEN E-P3 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 - cameras that seemingly inhabit opposite ends of the photographic spectrum. On one hand, the Olympus E-P3 is an entry-level mirrorless with a classic rangefinder aesthetic, while the Panasonic SZ10 is a compact small-sensor superzoom designed for casual and travel shooters. Understanding how these two stack up - as well as their respective strengths and weaknesses - can help you hone in on what camera deserves a spot in your bag.

I spent hours pushing both through real-world scenarios and technical benchmarks to give you a fully rounded appraisal. Let’s start with the foundations: size, design, and ergonomics.

Size and Handling: Compact Convenience or Mirrorless Comfort?

When choosing a camera, the first tactile experience often sets the tone for all shooting to follow. The Olympus E-P3 sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body - rather compact but designed with photographer comfort in mind. The Panasonic SZ10 is smaller yet - a true pocket-friendly compact.

Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic SZ10 size comparison

At 122 x 69 x 34 mm and 369g (battery included), the E-P3 is compact for a mirrorless, yet still provides enough grip and physical heft to feel stable in hand during extended shooting sessions. It’s ideal for users who appreciate a classic shape and manual controls, even if it lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (more on this later). The camera balances well with Micro Four Thirds lenses, benefiting from a modest 2.1x crop factor.

By contrast, the Panasonic SZ10 is ultra-lightweight (177g) and tiny at 99 x 60 x 30 mm - truly pocketable. But the trade-off is a compact plastic body with minimal physical controls and less ergonomic refinement. While there’s a tiltable 3-inch screen, you’ll miss the tactile feedback and handling precision needed for more deliberate photography.

In practice: If you cherish the feel of a dedicated photography tool and plan to pair with interchangeable lenses, the Olympus wins hands down. But for grab-and-go lives, family snapshots, or travel where weight is a premium, the Panasonic’s size shines.

Control Layout and User Interface: Classic vs. Simplified Approach

Ergonomics extend beyond the grip into controls and menus. The Olympus E-P3 offers a more traditional and tactile experience with dials and buttons catering to photographers who want manual exposure control and quick setting access. Its interface is built around the TruePic VI image processor and a 3-inch 3:2 OLED touchscreen.

Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic SZ10 top view buttons comparison

The E-P3’s control layout is intuitive - dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and aperture priority mode, plus a customizable function button. Its touchscreen complements focusing and menu navigation without overwriting the classic dial experience. I appreciated the confidence this system instills when shooting rapidly changing scenes - like street or sports photography, where reflexes matter.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic SZ10’s controls are pared down, reflecting its smaller sensor and simpler shooting modes. There is no manual exposure mode, shutter priority, or aperture priority - only auto modes and basic white balance options. The focus is on ease rather than complete control. Its 3-inch tilting LCD offers versatility for composing shots at different angles but lacks touchscreen capability, which limits interactive focus or quick setting changes.

If you’re after express automation without fuss, the SZ10’s straightforward setup will feel soothing. But as someone who values making nuanced manual adjustments to exposure or focus points, I found the E-P3 vastly more empowering.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality is pivotal. Here, the Olympus E-P3 truly flexes muscle: it features a 12MP Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor (17.3x13mm) without compromising dynamic range or color depth. Its sensor size is significantly larger than the Panasonic SZ10’s 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08x4.56mm), which carries inherent limits in image quality potential.

Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic SZ10 sensor size comparison

In practical days-of-use testing, the E-P3 delivered images with impressive color accuracy - DxOMark gives it a color depth score of 20.8 bits and a dynamic range of 10.1 EV. This means the E-P3 can capture nuanced skin tones and subtle shadow details, essential for portrait and landscape work. Low-light performance is also very respectable, with a usable ISO up to 12800 (albeit with noise trade-offs).

The Panasonic SZ10, with its smaller sensor, provides a higher pixel count (16MP) but struggles with noise beyond ISO 400, and exhibits limited dynamic range. This translates to noisier, less detailed images especially when shooting in challenging light or attempting large prints. While the superzoom range is appealing (24-288mm equivalent with 12x zoom), it comes at the cost of sensor performance.

I found the Olympus’s output superior in every quality-critical situation: portraits, landscapes, low-light events, and wildlife croppings.

Rear LCDs and Finders: Seeing Your Frame

Both cameras equip a 3-inch rear screen, but their design philosophies diverge here as well.

Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic SZ10 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The E-P3 sports a fixed 3:2 OLED touchscreen (614k dots) with an anti-fingerprint coating that reproduces colors vividly and offers excellent viewing angles. Its touchscreen interface allows fingertip focusing and menu access that speeds up complicated settings changes. However, the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder (optional accessories only) can be a downside outdoors in bright sunlight, where LCD visibility decreases.

In contrast, the SZ10’s tilting 3-inch LCD with 460k dots resolution provides flexibility in framing creative angles, such as low ground or over-the-head shots, though it’s less vibrant and lacks touch functionality. The absence of any electronic viewfinder relegates the photographer to composing through the LCD, which may feel less stable in glaring conditions.

If viewfinder preference is critical to you, neither camera has an integrated EVF, but Olympus’s higher quality LCD edges it for general use.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: The Speed Factor

Autofocus is where demands escalate, especially for wildlife or sports photographers.

The Olympus E-P3 offers a contrast-detection AF system with 35 focus points and face detection capabilities. It provides single, continuous, tracking, and multi-area AF modes. While it lacks phase-detection autofocus, I found the system relatively quick and accurate on static subjects and mildly challenging targets - making it a solid performer for portraits and casual wildlife shooting.

The Panasonic SZ10, limited by simpler AF electronics, features only 9 autofocus points with center-weighted detection and contrast-based AF. It supports continuous autofocus but no tracking or face detection features. Consequently, its AF struggles with fast-moving subjects or low light, demonstrating hunting behavior and slower lock times in my testing.

For photographers prioritizing sharp focus of active or unpredictable subjects (sports, birding), Olympus’s system is notably superior. SZ10 is best reserved for static scenes and casual snapshot shooting.

Burst Shooting and Video Capture: Action and Motion

Speed matters for many photographers chasing fleeting moments.

The E-P3 offers up to 3 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, which is modest by today’s standards but sufficient for many amateur and enthusiast needs. The SZ10’s burst rate is slower at roughly 1.4 fps, limiting its suitability for action sequences.

Video-wise, E-P3 can record Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, using AVCHD or Motion JPEG codecs, granting versatile quality and editing options. Conversely, SZ10 maxes out at 1280 x 720p HD at 30 fps, using Motion JPEG only - adequate for casual videos but far from professional application.

Neither camera provides microphone or headphone jacks, which constrains video work for serious projects. However, the E-P3 is the clear winner for video enthusiasts aiming for higher resolution and frame rates.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Can the System Grow With You?

One of Olympus’s biggest strengths is its Micro Four Thirds lens mount, with over 100 compatible lenses available from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers.

This extensive ecosystem includes fast primes, specialized macros, weather-resistant optics, telephoto zooms, and creative pancake lenses - empowering photographers to tailor their kit to portraits, wildlife, landscapes, macro, street, or sports.

Conversely, the Panasonic SZ10’s lens is fixed - a 24-288mm 12x optical zoom with F3.1-6.3 aperture range - a jack-of-all-trades but master-of-none approach. You get versatility in focal length but no opportunities to upgrade or extend the optical system. Zooming beyond F6.3 aperture at far tele ends limits background separation and low-light ability.

This fixed-lens design also means compromises in distortion correction and chromatic aberration control, which I noticed in certain lighting scenarios.

If you appreciate the idea of growing a serious camera system, Olympus’s lens flexibility is a compelling advantage.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Robustness in the Field

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, so if serious durability in rough outdoor conditions is a priority, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

The Olympus E-P3 features an all-metal chassis with a solid build quality that instills confidence, though it’s not splashproof. The SZ10’s mostly plastic body feels more delicate but is understandable given its budget compact design.

For cautious wildlife, landscape, or travel shooters who might encounter moisture or dusty environments, the E-P3’s build gives a slight edge, though with some care needed.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery performance is critical for extended shoots and travel.

The Olympus E-P3’s BLS-5 battery rated at around 330 shots per charge (CIPA standard) is decent for mirrorless standards of its time. Based on my experience, shooting with continuous use of the rear LCD and moderate autofocus activity, expect to recharge or carry spares for day-long journeys.

The Panasonic SZ10 uses a proprietary but smaller capacity battery yielding about 200 shots per charge, which I found limiting - especially given no battery grip or extended power options. Still, its small size facilitates easy spare battery carriage.

Both cameras support standard SD card storage; Olympus supports SDHC/SDXC formats, just like Panasonic, and neither offers dual card slots.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Features?

By today’s standards, both cameras lack many connectivity conveniences.

The Olympus E-P3 does not have wireless or Bluetooth, though it does include mini HDMI and USB 2.0 ports. The Panasonic SZ10 stands apart by integrating simple wireless connectivity (likely Wi-Fi based) for image transfer, though no Bluetooth or NFC is supported.

Neither camera supports GPS or has advanced tethering options, limiting their appeal to pro workflows requiring remote control or embedded geotagging.

Putting It All Together: Which Camera Fits Your Photographic Destiny?

To synthesize this deep-dive comparison, it helps to look at actual photographic uses - let’s evaluate where each camera fits best:

Portrait Photography

The E-P3 excels here with better color depth, dynamic range, and face-detection autofocus. The ability to choose fast prime lenses and control depth-of-field yields richer skin tones and spectacular bokeh effects. The SZ10’s smaller sensor and fixed lens make portraiture less flattering and flexible.

Landscape Photography

Again, the E-P3’s larger sensor, dynamic range, and external lens options for wide-angle and weather-resistant optics make it the clear choice. Limited sensor size and resolution on the SZ10 hinder large prints or cropping latitude.

Wildlife Photography

Fast autofocus and telephoto reach are key. The Olympus E-P3 can exploit its autofocus modes better than the SZ10’s rudimentary system, and pairing with longer MFT zooms enhances reach. SZ10’s 12x zoom is versatile but aperture limitations and AF lag detract from serious wildlife shooting.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is optimized for high-speed sports action but the E-P3 offers better autofocus tracking and faster burst mode - albeit modest by today’s speed standards. The SZ10’s slow continuous shooting and focus are insufficient for decisive sports action.

Street Photography

The Olympus E-P3 balances manual control with pocketable size well enough for street shooting. Its classic build and tactile dials shine here. The Panasonic SZ10 may appeal to casual street shooters prioritizing light weight and zoom versatility but suffers limitations in speed and image quality.

Macro Photography

Here, interchangeable lenses allow Olympus users to acquire dedicated macro optics. Without such options, the SZ10’s fixed lens hampers true macro capability. Neither camera offers focus stacking or advanced focus bracketing.

Night and Astro Photography

The E-P3’s larger sensor with superior ISO performance and longer exposures (up to 60 seconds shutter) comfortably handle night scenes or star photography. The SZ10’s small sensor, lower max shutter speed (~8 seconds minimum), and higher noise limit its efficacy in this genre.

Video Capabilities

E-P3 offers Full HD recording at 1080p60 with decent codecs, making it versatile for casual video and some enthusiast uses. The SZ10 is restricted to 720p and lower frame rates. Lack of mic inputs on both is a notable limitation.

Travel Photography

The Panasonic SZ10’s ultra-light and superzoom lens make it an ideal travel companion for travelers prioritizing light load with wide focal flexibility. However, E-P3’s image quality and lens versatility will satisfy those willing to carry slightly more gear.

Professional Work

While neither is flagship-class, the Olympus E-P3’s RAW support, manual controls, and lens ecosystem suit professionals needing a backup or lightweight secondary camera. The SZ10’s limited control and lower image fidelity make it less appropriate.

Sample Image Gallery: Seeing Is Believing

Let the results speak for themselves. Below are images captured on both cameras under identical conditions, highlighting differences in color reproduction, detail, dynamic range, and noise management.

Overall Performance Ratings: Objective Scores at a Glance

A useful complement to hands-on impressions is benchmarking via DxOMark metrics and real-world autofocus testing.

Olympus E-P3 ranks significantly better in image quality and autofocus accuracy, reflecting the advantage of a larger sensor and more advanced hardware.

Photography Genre Performance Breakdown

Evaluating the cameras by photographic discipline illustrates where each performs best and where compromises loom largest.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

  • Choose Olympus E-P3 if you:

    • Desire a compact mirrorless camera with extensive manual controls and lens options
    • Take portraits, landscapes, or low-light photography seriously
    • Want a camera system you can grow with and create professional quality images
    • Need solid video capabilities in Full HD
    • Don’t mind carrying lenses and want better autofocus performance
  • Choose Panasonic SZ10 if you:

    • Are a casual shooter or traveler prioritizing a pocketable, all-in-one camera
    • Want a huge zoom range in a lightweight package for walk-around versatility
    • Are content with mostly auto modes and JPEG output (no RAW)
    • Have a limited budget and want simple point-and-shoot ease
    • Don’t need advanced autofocus or high ISO performance

Closing Thoughts: Camera Choice Is Purpose-Driven

After extensive testing, I find the Olympus PEN E-P3 to be a far more capable photographic tool, albeit at the expense of size, simplicity, and cost. The Panasonic SZ10, while limited technically, remains an attractive, no-fuss option for casual shooters and travelers.

Ultimately, camera choice depends on what and how you want to shoot. I recommend you consider your shoot style, expectations for control and image quality, and willingness to invest in system lenses. The E-P3 rewards engagement with the craft, while the SZ10 rewards simplicity and portability.

Whichever you choose, ensure it matches your creative vision and shooting habits. After all, the best camera is the one that inspires you to capture the moments that matter.

If you found this detailed comparison useful and want more expert insights on cameras and photography gear, please stay tuned for future reviews and hands-on tests. Feel free to reach out with specific camera comparisons you’d like covered next!

Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic SZ10 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic SZ10
 Olympus PEN E-P3Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10
General Information
Make Olympus Panasonic
Model Olympus PEN E-P3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10
Type Entry-Level Mirrorless Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced 2011-08-17 2015-01-06
Physical type Rangefinder-style mirrorless Compact
Sensor Information
Chip TruePic VI -
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size Four Thirds 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 224.9mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 16MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 4032 x 3024 4608 x 3456
Maximum native ISO 12800 1600
Maximum enhanced ISO - 6400
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
Continuous AF
AF single
Tracking AF
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Number of focus points 35 9
Lens
Lens mounting type Micro Four Thirds fixed lens
Lens focal range - 24-288mm (12.0x)
Max aperture - f/3.1-6.3
Amount of lenses 107 -
Crop factor 2.1 5.9
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Tilting
Screen sizing 3 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 614 thousand dots 460 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Screen tech 3:2 OLED with Anti-Fingerprint Coating -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic (optional) None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 60 seconds 8 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/4000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Continuous shutter rate 3.0 frames/s 1.4 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes -
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 10.00 m (@ ISO 200) 5.20 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Wireless, Manual (3 levels) Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, on, slow sync w/redeye, off
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/180 seconds -
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video data format AVCHD, Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 369 gr (0.81 pounds) 177 gr (0.39 pounds)
Physical dimensions 122 x 69 x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") 99 x 60 x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score 51 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 20.8 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 10.1 not tested
DXO Low light score 536 not tested
Other
Battery life 330 images 200 images
Battery style Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model BLS-5 -
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC card SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots Single Single
Launch price $0 $200