Olympus 1s vs Panasonic SZ3

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus 1s vs Panasonic SZ3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the 1s (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the 1s (1/1.7") and SZ3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The 1s was revealed 2 years after the SZ3 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the 1s grades vs the SZ3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are available at Olympus 1s Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus 1s comes with outside dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has proportions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus 1s vs Panasonic SZ3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the 1s versus the SZ3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1s and SZ3 is 79 and 96 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions purely by checking out technical specs. The pic below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the 1s and SZ3.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 1s having a bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Panasonic SZ3 will provide more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The younger 1s is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.