Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GH3

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic GH3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-15 was unveiled 10 months after the GH3 and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SZ-15 scores versus the GH3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-15 comes with external measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH3 has dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-15 versus Panasonic GH3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-15 against the GH3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and GH3 is 88 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by checking specs. The image below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-15 and GH3.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact MP but different sensor dimensions. The SZ-15 contains the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field more difficult. The more modern SZ-15 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.