Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic S3

Below is a extended analysis of the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic S3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively similar and both cameras posses the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SP-590 UZ was revealed 24 months before the S3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a short summation of how the SP-590 UZ matches up against the S3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-590 UZ features external dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic S3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SP-590 UZ compared to the S3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and S3 is 72 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading specs. The visual here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and S3.

All in all, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Panasonic S3 to offer you extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.