Canon S100 vs Panasonic ZR3

The following is a in depth assessment of the Canon S100 vs Panasonic ZR3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S100 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the S100 (1/1.7") and ZR3 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The S100 was released 24 months after the ZR3 which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the S100 scores vs the ZR3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The complete galleries are available at Canon S100 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Canon S100 has outer dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR3 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Canon S100 vs Panasonic ZR3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the S100 versus the ZR3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S100 and ZR3 is 93 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions merely by going through specifications. The pic below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S100 and ZR3.

To sum up, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The S100 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZR3 will show more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs more aggressively. The more modern S100 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.