Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic ZS3

Here is a in depth overview of the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic ZS3, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the E-M1 II (20MP) and ZS3 (10MP) and the E-M1 II (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 II was released 7 years later than the ZS3 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-M1 II matches up against the ZS3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 II Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 II comes with external dimensions of 134mm x 91mm x 67mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.6") having a weight of 574 grams (1.27 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS3 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic ZS3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-M1 II compared to the ZS3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 II and ZS3 is 68 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to see the contrast in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The visual below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 II and ZS3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 II due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-M1 II will produce greater detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger E-M1 II will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.