Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic SZ3

Here, we are matching up the Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic SZ3, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the PEN-F (20MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the PEN-F (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The PEN-F was brought out 3 years later than the SZ3 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus PEN-F being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a short introduction of how the PEN-F matches up vs the SZ3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus PEN-F Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus PEN-F provides exterior measurements of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") with a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has sizing of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic SZ3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the PEN-F vs the SZ3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the PEN-F and SZ3 is 84 and 96 respectively.

Often, it is hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the PEN-F and SZ3.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The PEN-F because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus PEN-F will provide more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more modern PEN-F should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.