• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZR3 advantages over Olympus E-PL8

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $650 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    26 mm vs 38 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options

Olympus E-PL8 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZR3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Newer
    8 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.5 fps vs 1.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZR1

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Panasonic DMC-ZR1
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More pixels
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic DMC-ZR1
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FH20

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Less shutter lag
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compared to Samsung CL80

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Samsung CL80
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Wider angle lens
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Olympus E-PL8
Samsung CL80
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Panasonic GX85
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic GX85
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Olympus E-PL9
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-PL8
Olympus E-PL9
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
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