Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic LX3

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic LX3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and LX3 (10MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and LX3 (1/1.63") boast different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-16 iHS was brought out 4 years later than the LX3 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS scores vs the LX3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS comes with physical measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX3 has proportions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic LX3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the LX3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and LX3 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing just by going through specifications. The graphic underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and LX3.

Plainly, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-16 iHS featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will produce more detail having its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics more aggressively. The younger SZ-16 iHS provides an edge in sensor technology.