Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic S3

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic S3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and S3 (14MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and S3 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was launched within a month of the S3 so they are of a similar age. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the XZ-1 grades versus the S3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-1 offers outside dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic S3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 versus the S3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and S3 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The image underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and S3.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic S3 will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures far more aggressively.