Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic S3

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic S3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively similar and both cameras boast the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was released 3 years after the S3 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the SP-100 matches up versus the S3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-100 features exterior dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") along with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic S3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the SP-100 versus the S3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and S3 is 63 and 96 respectively.

Often, its difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes just by going over technical specs. The picture underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and S3.

As you can tell, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Olympus SP-100 to offer extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The newer SP-100 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.