Canon S120 vs Panasonic FH3

Following is a in depth review of the Canon S120 and Panasonic FH3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the S120 (1/1.7") and FH3 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S120 was revealed 3 years after the FH3 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the S120 grades versus the FH3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot S120 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The full galleries are viewable at Canon S120 Gallery & Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Canon S120 provides exterior measurements of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Panasonic FH3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

See the Canon S120 and Panasonic FH3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the S120 and the FH3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S120 and FH3 is 92 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to see the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The pic underneath should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S120 and FH3.

As you can see, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S120 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH3 will give greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more recent S120 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.