Olympus 6000 vs Panasonic G3

The following is a in-depth review of the Olympus 6000 and Panasonic G3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the 6000 (10MP) and G3 (16MP) and the 6000 (1/2.3") and G3 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 6000 was announced 24 months prior to the G3 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 6000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the 6000 grades against the G3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 6000 Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 6000 offers exterior dimensions of 95mm x 63mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.5" x 0.9") with a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Panasonic G3 has dimensions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") and a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Examine the Olympus 6000 and Panasonic G3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the 6000 versus the G3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the 6000 and G3 is 94 and 83 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specs. The image below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the 6000 and G3.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The 6000 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic G3 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged 6000 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.