Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic SZ8

The following is a extended review of the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic SZ8, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is fairly close and both cameras provide the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SH-3 was revealed 2 years after the SZ8 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SH-3 matches up versus the SZ8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-3 offers outer measurements 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 SZ8 has measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic SZ8 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SH-3 vs the SZ8.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and SZ8 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to envision the difference in sensor dimensions just by viewing a spec sheet. The image underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-3 and SZ8.

As you can see, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution and you can expect comparable quality of pictures although you should really take the launch date of the cameras into account. The more modern SH-3 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.