Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Olympus E-500 and Olympus E-3 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Olympus E-500 has external dimensions of 130 x 95 x 66 mm (5.12 x 3.74 x 2.6″) and weighs 479 g (1.06 lb / 16.90 oz) (including batteries). Olympus E-3 has external dimensions of 142 x 116 x 75 mm (5.59 x 4.57 x 2.95″) and weighs 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Olympus E-500 and the Olympus E-3. Olympus E-500 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 12mm narrower, 21mm shorter and 9mm thinner than Olympus E-3.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Olympus E-500 is significantly lighter (411g ) than the Olympus E-3 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you also have to take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Olympus E-500 and Olympus E-3 have the same Four Thirds lens mount and Four Thirds sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.
Weather Sealing
Thanks to the weather-sealed body of the E-3, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to the E-500.
LCD Screen Size and Features
Olympus E-500 and Olympus E-3's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 2.50 inches.
On the other hand, Olympus E-3 sports a
Fully Articulated screen which you can change the angle and position of the screen almost freely, making it possible to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels, and especially very useful for shooting selfies and video. Olympus E-500's LCD screen is a fixed type which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to E-3.