Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic ZS3

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic ZS3, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is pretty similar but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and ZS3 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was launched 21 months after the ZS3 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the XZ-1 scores against the ZS3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 offers external 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 ZS3 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic ZS3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the XZ-1 vs the ZS3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and ZS3 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The image here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and ZS3.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses the exact same MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 features the bigger sensor which is going to make getting bokeh less difficult. The younger XZ-1 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.