Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus XZ-10 versus Panasonic ZS3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the XZ-10 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is relatively similar and they possess the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The XZ-10 was unveiled 3 years later than the ZS3 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise view of how the XZ-10 grades versus the ZS3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-10 has got exterior measurements of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS3 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-10 versus Panasonic ZS3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the XZ-10 compared to the ZS3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-10 and ZS3 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Often, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements just by going over a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-10 and ZS3.

Clearly, each of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should count on the Olympus XZ-10 to offer more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The fresher XZ-10 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.