Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS3 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Olympus XZ-2 iHS has external dimensions of 113 x 65 x 48 mm (4.45 x 2.56 x 1.89″) and weighs 346 g (0.76 lb / 12.20 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic ZS3 has external dimensions of 103 x 60 x 33 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.3″) and weighs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and the Panasonic ZS3. Panasonic ZS3 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 10mm narrower, 5mm shorter and 15mm thinner than Olympus XZ-2 iHS.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS3.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic ZS3 is significantly lighter (117g ) than the Olympus XZ-2 iHS which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Olympus XZ-2 iHS nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7) provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS3's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
On the other hand, Olympus XZ-2 iHS features a
Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels whereas the Panasonic ZS3 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to XZ-2 iHS.