Olympus 1s vs Panasonic ZS3

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus 1s versus Panasonic ZS3, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the 1s (1/1.7") and ZS3 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The 1s was unveiled 6 years later than the ZS3 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the 1s matches up vs the ZS3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are available at Olympus 1s Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus 1s features physical dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") and a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 1s versus Panasonic ZS3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the 1s and the ZS3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1s and ZS3 is 79 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to picture the gap between sensor sizing merely by checking specifications. The photograph underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1s and ZS3.

To sum up, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 1s using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus 1s will give you greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The newer 1s provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.