Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic GF3

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus XZ-10 versus Panasonic GF3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the XZ-10 (12MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is fairly similar but the XZ-10 (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-10 was launched 18 months after the GF3 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the XZ-10 grades vs the GF3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-10 enjoys external dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Panasonic GF3 has specifications of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-10 versus Panasonic GF3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the XZ-10 against the GF3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-10 and GF3 is 91 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading technical specs. The pic below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-10 and GF3.

As you can tell, both cameras come with the identical megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The XZ-10 features the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher. The more recent XZ-10 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.