Olympus 1s vs Panasonic ZR3

Here is a in depth assessment of the Olympus 1s and Panasonic ZR3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is pretty close but the 1s (1/1.7") and ZR3 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 1s was announced 5 years later than the ZR3 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the 1s grades vs the ZR3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 1s Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera often, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 1s enjoys outside measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Panasonic ZR3 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus 1s and Panasonic ZR3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the 1s versus the ZR3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1s and ZR3 is 79 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The photograph here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the 1s and ZR3.

As you can tell, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 1s with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZR3 will render greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more modern 1s will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.