Olympus 1 vs Panasonic S3

Here is a detailed overview of the Olympus 1 versus Panasonic S3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is pretty close but the 1 (1/1.7") and S3 (1/2.3") have different sensor measurements.

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The 1 was released 2 years later than the S3 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the 1 matches up against the S3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus 1 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus 1 offers external dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") and a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus 1 versus Panasonic S3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the 1 versus the S3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 and S3 is 79 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing only by viewing specs. The graphic here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 and S3.

All in all, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic S3 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more recent 1 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.