Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS3

Here is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-P3 was brought out 2 years later than the ZS3 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-P3 matches up versus the ZS3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P3 comes with exterior dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view size comparison of the E-P3 compared to the ZS3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and ZS3 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing purely by looking at technical specs. The photograph here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and ZS3.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-P3 will give greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The younger E-P3 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.