Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic ZR3

Lets look closer at the Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic ZR3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is very similar and both cameras provide the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SH-50 was launched 2 years after the ZR3 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the SH-50 scores against the ZR3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SH-50 features outside measurements of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SH-50 and Panasonic ZR3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SH-50 vs the ZR3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-50 and ZR3 is 88 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions merely by going over a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-50 and ZR3.

As you can see, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Olympus SH-50 to offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern SH-50 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.