Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic FS42

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic FS42, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was announced 6 years after the FS42 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the SH-3 grades versus the FS42 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-3 has got external measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic FS42 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic FS42 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the SH-3 vs the FS42.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and FS42 is 88 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by researching specs. The image here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and FS42.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SH-3 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus SH-3 will result in extra detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent SH-3 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.