Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic GH3

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic GH3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is fairly close but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The SH-3 was launched 3 years after the GH3 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SH-3 grades versus the GH3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-3 has got physical dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH3 has dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic GH3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the SH-3 vs the GH3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and GH3 is 88 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions only by viewing technical specs. The image here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-3 and GH3.

As you have seen, both cameras offer the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor dimensions. The SH-3 includes the smaller sensor which will make getting shallower DOF trickier. The more recent SH-3 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.