Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GF3

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic GF3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and GF3 (12MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-15 was manufactured 23 months later than the GF3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the SZ-15 scores vs the GF3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-15 has got exterior measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Panasonic GF3 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic GF3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-15 and the GF3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and GF3 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by going over specs. The visual underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and GF3.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-15 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus SZ-15 will offer greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The younger SZ-15 will have an edge in sensor technology.