Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic ZS80

Following is a extensive overview of the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the ZS80 (20MP) is fairly well matched and they feature the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SH-3 was manufactured 24 months earlier than the ZS80 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SH-3 matches up against the ZS80 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-3 features external dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has proportions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic ZS80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the SH-3 vs the ZS80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and ZS80 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizes just by checking a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and ZS80.

As you can see, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS80 to resolve greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SH-3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.