Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic SZ3

Here is a comprehensive review of the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic SZ3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and SZ3 (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was released 23 months earlier than the SZ3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short summation of how the XZ-1 grades against the SZ3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 comes with outer measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has specifications of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic SZ3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 versus the SZ3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and SZ3 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Often, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing simply by viewing specifications. The photograph underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and SZ3.

To sum up, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ3 will result in greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older XZ-1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.