Canon PowerShot S100 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3: A Detailed Compact Camera Showdown

In a world where smartphones dominate casual photography, compact cameras still carve out a niche for enthusiasts and professionals seeking pocketable alternatives. The Canon PowerShot S100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 represent two different approaches born around the same era (2011) but with distinct design philosophies and purposes. Both champion 12-megapixel sensors and Full HD video but target subtly different user groups: the S100 aims for image quality and flexibility in a sophisticated compact, whereas the TS3 doubles down on ruggedness and adventure-ready durability.

After extensively testing both cameras side-by-side in various shooting scenarios, I’m confident this thorough analysis will help you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses - grounding recommendations in hands-on experience and technical scrutiny rather than marketing fluff. Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Comfort Meets Survivability

When choosing a pocket camera, size and feel in hand can make day-to-day shooting a joy or a chore. The Canon S100 and Panasonic TS3 share similar weights - 198g vs. 197g - but differ notably in dimensions and grip style.

The Canon S100’s compact body measures a neat 99 x 60 x 28 mm. This streamlined shape emphasizes portability while delivering a slightly elevated top plate for better hand grip and button placement. Controls are well spaced, lending intuitive access to manual dials, especially appealing for photographers who like tactile feedback and direct control over exposure settings.

The Panasonic TS3, at 103 x 64 x 27 mm, is marginally bulkier in length and width but thinner in depth. This compactness pairs with rubberized, textured surfaces and a robust frame designed for extreme environmental conditions - waterproof (to 10m), dustproof, shockproof (1.5m fall), and freezeproof (-10°C). That rugged build means a bit of heftier grip but supreme confidence in tough usage scenarios (think muddy hikes or poolside snaps).

For photographers prioritizing discrete street carry and ergonomic button access, the S100 feels more refined and comfortable over lengthy shoots. The TS3 caters better to travelers and adventure seekers prioritizing durability over subtle ergonomics.

A closer look at control layouts from above highlights this divergence:

The S100 features dedicated exposure mode dials, a rocker dial for quick ISO/aperture adjustments, and a dedicated manual focus ring on the lens barrel - a rarity among compacts. The TS3 trims complexity: fewer external controls, mainly point-and-shoot oriented, with simplified menus catering to rugged, straightforward use.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of any camera’s performance is its sensor, and here the Canon S100 pulls ahead distinctly.

The S100 employs a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm with a surface area of 41.52 mm², larger than the Panasonic TS3’s 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²). This size advantage translates directly to better light gathering, dynamic range, and noise control.

The Canon’s CMOS sensor pairs with the advanced Digic 5 processor, endowing it with superior ISO performance (native ISO 80-6400), enhanced color reproduction (DxO Mark color depth of 20.7 bits), and improved dynamic range (11.6 EV). The Panasonic’s CCD sensor, driven by the Venus Engine FHD processor, offers respectable 12MP resolution but lags in high-ISO noise control and dynamic range, typical for CCD tech of its time.

In practical terms, the S100 yields richer color gradations and cleaner files in dim lighting, with less purple fringing and artifacting in complex shadow areas - a boon for portrait and night photography. The TS3 produces decent daytime images but noise ramps up quickly above ISO 400, limiting usable sensitivity and post-processing latitude.

Viewing and User Interface: Keeping it Simple but Effective

The rear display is your window on the scene, and here the S100 again offers superior specs:

A 3-inch fixed LCD with 461k dots offers bright, sharp, and accurate preview images on the S100, aiding precise focusing and composition in various light conditions. The Panasonic TS3 sports a smaller 2.7-inch LCD with 230k dots - adequate but showing visible grain and reduced finesse in bright sunlight.

Neither camera features a viewfinder, which may affect usability for users who prefer eye-level shooting. Given the S100’s manual focus ring and exposure modes, its larger, higher-res screen is welcome for accurate framing and focus confirmation, particularly in manual mode or macro work.

Both lack touchscreen functions, a minor drawback in an era where such interfaces were emerging, but buttons and menus remain well thought out; the S100’s more extensive manual controls demand menu diving but reward the user willing to invest time, whereas the TS3 keeps operations simplified for swift shooting in challenging environments.

Zoom and Lens Quality: Versatility vs. Brightness

Lens specs impact versatility and image aesthetics significantly:

• Canon S100: 24-120 mm (equivalent), f/2.0-5.9 aperture, 5x zoom
• Panasonic TS3: 28-128 mm (equivalent), f/3.3-5.9 aperture, 4.6x zoom

The S100 boasts a wider wide-angle capability (24mm vs. 28mm), offering more room for landscapes and architecture shots. Its bright f/2.0 aperture at the wide end affords better low-light gathering and more pronounced background separation - crucial for portraits and creative bokeh.

The TS3’s zoom extends slightly longer, beneficial for moderate telephoto needs like wildlife or distant subjects, but the narrower aperture at 28mm limits ambient light intake and bokeh potential.

Lens sharpness on the S100 is crisp throughout most of the focal range, with controlled distortion and chromatic aberration - likely thanks to Canon’s prime lens pedigree here. The TS3 delivers good general sharpness but suffers from typical underwater/rugged-type lens compromises: more distortion and softer edges, especially towards the telephoto end.

Autofocus Capabilities and Shooting Speed: Precision vs. Persistence

The S100 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 9 focus points and face detection - though no eye detection or continuous AF for video - optimized for still photography precision. The manual focus ring means close shooters and macro enthusiasts have excellent control over critical focus.

The TS3 also employs contrast detection but adds 11 focus points and continuous AF during video and continuous shooting, arguably improving action capture. The absence of face or eye detection limits portrait precision somewhat.

In real-world tracking, the TS3 sustains faster burst shooting (4 fps vs. 2 fps on the S100) and better continuous AF responsiveness. This makes it better suited for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife on the fly. The S100, though slower, offers pinpoint accuracy for stationary subjects and low-light AF when hunting for subtle focus locks.

Image Stabilization: Handheld Confidence

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, critical in compact zooms:

• The Canon S100 has a well-tuned optical IS system that effectively counters handshake up to 3 stops, improving handheld usability at slower shutter speeds and in video recording.
• Panasonic TS3 employs MEGA O.I.S., similarly effective underwater or in tough environments.

In practice, the S100 stabilization feels more refined, especially at longer zooms and slower shutter speeds, enabling sharper shots in shade or indoors. The TS3’s system excels in portability, letting you shoot while hiking or underwater without blurred images from motion.

Macro Photography: Getting Close and Personal

Both cameras offer impressive macro abilities:

• S100: Macro focus down to 3 cm, combined with manual focus ring, allowing precise close-up framing and sharpness control.
• TS3: Macro starts at 5 cm, fixed AF with continuous options, simpler but less control.

I found the Canon’s minimum focusing distance coupled with sharp optics allows more versatility for macro shooters chasing fine detail - think flowers, insects, or textures. The Panasonic satisfies casual macro needs well, especially when rugged use limits intricate focusing time.

Low-Light and Night Performance: A Tale of Two Sensors

Shooting in low light highlights the Canon S100's CMOS sensor’s strengths. Usable ISO often reaches up to 1600 without too much noise, occasionally even ISO 3200 for web-ready prints. Night street photography or indoor events benefit from lower shutter speeds made possible by image stabilization.

The TS3’s maximum ISO 1600 setting is less practical due to higher noise levels. Images beyond ISO 400 quickly degrade, exhibiting grain and loss of color fidelity. That makes it a less attractive option for serious night or astro shooters, even if the rugged body could conceivably go anywhere.

Video Capabilities and Multimedia

Video shooters will note key differences:

• Canon S100: Full HD 1080p at 24fps, plus HD 720p and slow-motion modes (120 fps at VGA resolution); uses H.264 and Motion JPEG codecs.
• Panasonic TS3: Full HD 1080p at 60fps, HD 720p at 60 or 30 fps; codecs include MPEG-4 and AVCHD.

The TS3’s higher frame rate video provides smoother motion for action sequences - think underwater footage or sports. However, neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, limiting external audio control.

Stabilization systems on both improve handheld video, though the S100’s smoother zoom and focus ring offer better manual control for creative shooting. The TS3 is more rugged and ready for wild video exploits but sacrifices some manual finesse.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: Staying Powered and Connected

Both cameras have one SD card slot and built-in GPS, handy for geotagging travel photos.

The S100 supports Eye-Fi wireless card connectivity for faster image transfer but lacks Bluetooth or NFC, limiting modern wireless conveniences.

Panasonic TS3 offers no wireless connectivity options but compensates with internal storage alongside SD cards - useful if external storage is compromised.

Battery life varies:

• Canon S100 rating is 200 shots per charge.
• Panasonic TS3 offers an impressive 310 shots per battery, reflecting efficient power management geared toward travel and extended use.

The S100’s battery (NB-5L) can be swapped fairly easily, a plus for longer expeditions.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Environmental sealing is Panasonic TS3’s headline feature: fully waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof - all certified against extreme conditions.

The Canon S100 lacks these weatherproofing features and should be treated as a cautious take-to-nice-weather camera.

If your photography demands ruggedness - pool, mountains, deserts - the TS3’s durability trumps the S100’s elegant but delicate construction.

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples

Comparing sample images side-by-side demonstrates the practical results of their specs:

Canon S100 front Canon S100 screen back Panasonic TS3 front Panasonic TS3 screen back

Notice the S100’s superior control over skin tones in portraits, smoother color transition in landscapes, and sharper focus in macro shots. The TS3’s photos tend to be slightly softer with less dynamic range but perform admirably in bright daylight or challenging weather.

Performance Summaries: Camera Scores and Genre Analysis

Here are their respective overall scores and specialized genre ratings reflecting my tested results alongside DxO Mark references:

• The Canon S100 scores higher on portrait quality, landscapes, night shooting, macro, and professional workflow compatibility due to RAW support and manual controls.
• Panasonic TS3 excels in sports, wildlife, travel, and underwater photography thanks to fast burst rates and durability, despite compromises in image quality and handling finesse.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

Both cameras serve compact needs but suit divergent priorities.

Choose the Canon PowerShot S100 if you:

• Prioritize image quality, wider, brighter lens, and fine control
• Shoot portraits, macro, or low-light scenes regularly
• Value manual focus and exposure modes for creative flexibility
• Want RAW support for professional editing integration
• Favor better ergonomics and screen quality for everyday shooting
• Mostly shoot in controlled environments or mild weather

Opt for the Panasonic Lumix TS3 if you:

• Need a rugged, reliable camera immune to water, dust, freeze, or shock
• Shoot in adventurous or extreme outdoor conditions (hiking, underwater, skiing)
• Want faster continuous shooting and video frame rates for action capture
• Can accept compromises in image quality for durability and ease of use
• Favor long battery life and robust body over sophisticated controls
• Need casual snapshots from a tough camera rather than fine photographic craft

Conclusion: Complementary Tools in a Compact Package

In 2011, the Canon S100 and Panasonic TS3 were solid choices that serve distinct photography niches well. The S100 remains a compact powerhouse for image quality and manual control enthusiasts, while the TS3 is a durable companion for adventurous souls chasing shots in harsh environments.

My experience confirms that knowing your priorities - be it creative freedom or ruggedness - is key to selecting the right compact. Both cameras bring respectable optics and features to the table, but their core philosophies are very different.

For photographers who treasure the tactile sensation of manual dials and pristine JPEGs, the S100 continues to perform admirably. Those who need a camera that laughs in the face of a sudden downpour or accidental drops would do well with the TS3.

Ultimately, this comparison underscores that in compact photography, context of use shapes best choice just as much as raw specs.

I hope this comprehensive breakdown helps you zero in on the compact camera that fits your photographic aspirations. Whether you lean towards elegance and manual craft or toughness and adventure-readiness, both the Canon PowerShot S100 and Panasonic Lumix TS3 have compelling stories to tell behind the lens.

Happy shooting!