Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZR3

Following is a comprehensive assessment of the Canon S120 and Panasonic ZR3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is relatively close but the S120 (1/1.7") and ZR3 (1/2.3") posses different sensor size.

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The S120 was manufactured 3 years after the ZR3 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a short view of how the S120 scores versus the ZR3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The entire galleries are available at Canon S120 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Canon S120 comes with exterior dimensions of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) and 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).

Check out the Canon S120 and Panasonic ZR3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the S120 and the ZR3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S120 and ZR3 is 92 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes purely by viewing specs. The picture here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S120 and ZR3.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S120 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZR3 will render greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The fresher S120 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.