Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic ZS1

Following is a comprehensive overview of the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic ZS1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") boast different sensor measurements.

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The SH-3 was released 6 years after the ZS1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SH-3 matches up versus the ZS1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-3 comes with outside dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic ZS1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the SH-3 versus the ZS1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and ZS1 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes only by going through specifications. The pic here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and ZS1.

Plainly, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SH-3 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus SH-3 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more recent SH-3 provides an edge in sensor innovation.