Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic SZ3

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic SZ3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is pretty close and both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was announced 13 months later than the SZ3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the SP-100 matches up versus the SZ3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-100 has external dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ3 has sizing of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic SZ3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SP-100 vs the SZ3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and SZ3 is 63 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the difference in sensor measurements merely by viewing specifications. The visual underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and SZ3.

To sum up, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same resolution so you should expect comparable quality of photographs but you will want to take the release date of the cameras into account. The newer SP-100 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.