Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic FP7

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic FP7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the FP7 (16MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SH-3 was brought out 5 years later than the FP7 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short summary of how the SH-3 scores against the FP7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Panasonic FP7 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SH-3 has got outside measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic FP7 has specifications of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic FP7 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 select during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SH-3 compared to the FP7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and FP7 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through a spec sheet. The photograph here may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and FP7.

As you can see, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size and the same MP so you should expect comparable quality of photos however you should consider the release date of the cameras into account. The more recent SH-3 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.