Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic ZS40

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is fairly similar and they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SH-3 was announced 2 years after the ZS40 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SH-3 scores versus the ZS40 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-3 has got exterior 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) and the Panasonic ZS40 has measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic ZS40 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SH-3 and the ZS40.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and ZS40 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by going over specifications. The picture here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and ZS40.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS40 to deliver greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more modern SH-3 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.