Olympus SZ-30MR vs Panasonic ZS3

Below is a comprehensive review of the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic ZS3, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the SZ-30MR (16MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ-30MR was brought out 22 months later than the ZS3 making them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SZ-30MR matches up against the ZS3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-30MR & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-30MR features external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-30MR and Panasonic ZS3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the SZ-30MR versus the ZS3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-30MR and ZS3 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualize the difference in sensor measurements purely by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-30MR and ZS3.

As you can see, both cameras feature the identical sensor size but different MP. You can expect to see the Olympus SZ-30MR to show extra detail having its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The fresher SZ-30MR provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.