Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic FH3

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic FH3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is pretty similar and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-15 was manufactured 3 years after the FH3 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-15 matches up versus the FH3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-15 has got outside dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH3 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic FH3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-15 against the FH3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and FH3 is 88 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over specifications. The image underneath will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-15 and FH3.

To sum up, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Olympus SZ-15 to deliver greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent SZ-15 should have an advantage in sensor technology.