Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic ZS3

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic ZS3, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and ZS3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 3 years after the ZS3 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a concise summary of how the XZ-2 iHS grades against the ZS3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS comes with exterior dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions 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-2 iHS versus Panasonic ZS3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the ZS3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and ZS3 is 85 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading through a spec sheet. The image underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and ZS3.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS will give more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The more recent XZ-2 iHS will have an advantage in sensor tech.