Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic ZS35

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic ZS35, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and ZS35 (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and ZS35 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-P3 was introduced 3 years earlier than the ZS35 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS35 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-P3 scores against the ZS35 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS35 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 has got outside dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS35 has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic ZS35 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P3 against the ZS35.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and ZS35 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to see the gap in sensor sizes purely by viewing technical specs. The picture below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and ZS35.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P3 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS35 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged E-P3 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.