Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic ZS3

Below, we are comparing the Olympus PEN-F versus Panasonic ZS3, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the PEN-F (20MP) and ZS3 (10MP) and the PEN-F (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The PEN-F was manufactured 6 years after the ZS3 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus PEN-F being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a short highlight of how the PEN-F scores against the ZS3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus PEN-F Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus PEN-F features physical measurements of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") along with a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS3 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus PEN-F versus Panasonic ZS3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the PEN-F and the ZS3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the PEN-F and ZS3 is 84 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to see the gap between sensor dimensions merely by checking specifications. The image underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the PEN-F and ZS3.

To sum up, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The PEN-F because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus PEN-F will give extra detail due to its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The newer PEN-F will have a benefit in sensor technology.