Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic ZR3

The following is a thorough assessment of the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic ZR3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is very comparable and they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ-15 was revealed 3 years after the ZR3 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SZ-15 scores vs the ZR3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-15 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-15 comes with physical measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic ZR3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-15 and the ZR3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and ZR3 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions only by seeing technical specs. The picture underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and ZR3.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Olympus SZ-15 to show extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern SZ-15 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.