Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic ZR3

Following is a thorough assessment of the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic ZR3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is pretty similar and they use the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SP-590 UZ was revealed 12 months before the ZR3 which means that they are of a similar age. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SP-590 UZ grades versus the ZR3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-590 UZ has outside measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst 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).

Check out the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Panasonic ZR3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SP-590 UZ vs the ZR3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-590 UZ and ZR3 is 72 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by reading specifications. The image here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-590 UZ and ZR3.

Plainly, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Panasonic ZR3 to offer extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SP-590 UZ is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.