Olympus 1s vs Panasonic LX3

Lets take a deeper look at the Olympus 1s versus Panasonic LX3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the LX3 (10MP) is very close but the 1s (1/1.7") and LX3 (1/1.63") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 1s was manufactured 6 years later than the LX3 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic LX3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the 1s matches up vs the LX3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus 1s Gallery and Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus 1s has got outside measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX3 has specifications of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 1s versus Panasonic LX3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the 1s versus the LX3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the 1s and LX3 is 79 and 91 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to envision the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing specifications. The photograph below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1s and LX3.

To sum up, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 1s due to its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus 1s will provide you with more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images far more aggressively. The newer 1s will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.