Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic ZR3

Here is a detailed comparison of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic ZR3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was introduced 2 years later than the ZR3 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS grades versus the ZR3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS provides physical measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic ZR3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the ZR3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and ZR3 is 89 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-16 iHS and ZR3.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to provide extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more modern SZ-16 iHS provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.