Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic ZS30

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic ZS30, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is fairly close and both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SH-3 was brought out 3 years later than the ZS30 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the SH-3 scores against the ZS30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SH-3 provides external measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS30 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic ZS30 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the SH-3 against the ZS30.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and ZS30 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements purely by viewing specifications. The graphic below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and ZS30.

Plainly, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS30 to result in greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos more aggressively. The younger SH-3 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.