Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic GF3

Here is a detailed analysis of the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic GF3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and GF3 (12MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The SH-3 was introduced 4 years later than the GF3 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short view of how the SH-3 scores vs the GF3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-3 comes with exterior dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic GF3 has sizing of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic GF3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the SH-3 against the GF3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and GF3 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out technical specs. The photograph underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and GF3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SH-3 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SH-3 will produce greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more recent SH-3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.