Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

Following is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P3 was unveiled 17 months earlier than the SZ-16 iHS making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a short view of how the E-P3 grades against the SZ-16 iHS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera often, you should consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P3 enjoys physical measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has sizing of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the E-P3 and the SZ-16 iHS.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and SZ-16 iHS is 86 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The image below should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and SZ-16 iHS.

As you can see, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-P3 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will provide greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P3 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.