Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic ZS20

Below, we are comparing the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic ZS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is fairly well matched and they feature the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was launched 3 years later than the ZS20 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SH-3 scores against the ZS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-3 enjoys outside dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS20 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic ZS20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SH-3 vs the ZS20.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and ZS20 is 88 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and ZS20.

As you have seen, both of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You can anticipate the Olympus SH-3 to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more recent SH-3 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.