Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FP3

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FP3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is pretty similar and both cameras provide the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was revealed 3 years after the FP3 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SZ-16 iHS grades vs the FP3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features outer dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic FP3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic FP3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-16 iHS vs the FP3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and FP3 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions just by going over a spec sheet. The picture below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and FP3.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to deliver more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The fresher SZ-16 iHS provides an advantage in sensor tech.