Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic FS12

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic FS12, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and FS12 (12MP) but they possess the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was announced 6 years later than the FS12 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SH-3 matches up vs the FS12 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Panasonic FS12 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-3 enjoys external measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic FS12 has proportions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic FS12 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SH-3 versus the FS12.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and FS12 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The graphic below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-3 and FS12.

To sum up, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Olympus SH-3 to give you more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer SH-3 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.