Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic SZ3

Below is a in depth analysis of the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic SZ3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SP-590 UZ was announced 5 years before the SZ3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SP-590 UZ matches up against the SZ3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ features outer dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic SZ3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SP-590 UZ and the SZ3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SP-590 UZ and SZ3 is 72 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements merely by checking specifications. The photograph here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and SZ3.

To sum up, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Panasonic SZ3 to give you extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be behind in sensor technology.