Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic ZS3

Here is a extended review of the Olympus FE-45 and Panasonic ZS3, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the FE-45 (10MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is pretty similar and they come with the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FE-45 was revealed 4 months prior to the ZS3 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FE-45 grades vs the ZS3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-45 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-45 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus FE-45 comes with exterior dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-45 and Panasonic ZS3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the FE-45 compared to the ZS3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FE-45 and ZS3 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Often, it's tough to see the gap between sensor sizing only by going over technical specs. The visual underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-45 and ZS3.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same exact megapixels therefore you can expect similar quality of images although you should really take the launch date of the products into consideration.