Olympus VR-320 vs Panasonic SZ3

Let's look a bit more closely at the Olympus VR-320 and Panasonic SZ3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is pretty similar and both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The VR-320 was introduced 17 months prior to the SZ3 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the VR-320 grades versus the SZ3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-320 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus VR-320 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus VR-320 has outside measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has proportions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Examine the Olympus VR-320 and Panasonic SZ3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the VR-320 and the SZ3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VR-320 and SZ3 is 94 and 96 respectively.

Typically, its hard to envision the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading specs. The graphic underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-320 and SZ3.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Panasonic SZ3 to offer more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older VR-320 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.