Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3
92 Imaging
37 Features
57 Overall
45
![Canon PowerShot S120 front Canon PowerShot S120 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Canon-PowerShot-S120/Canon-S120-front.jpg)
![Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 front Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3/Panasonic-ZS3-front.jpg)
91 Imaging
33 Features
30 Overall
31
Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 12800
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-120mm (F1.8-5.7) lens
- 217g - 100 x 59 x 29mm
- Released November 2013
- Previous Model is Canon S110
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
- 229g - 103 x 60 x 33mm
- Released May 2009
- Additionally referred to as Lumix DMC-TZ7
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 Overview
Following is a extended overview of the Canon S120 versus Panasonic ZS3, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the S120 (1/1.7") and ZS3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
The S120 was released 4 years after the ZS3 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).
Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the S120 matches up against the ZS3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S120 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The complete galleries are provided at Canon S120 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon S120 over the Panasonic ZS3
S120 | ZS3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | November 2013 | ![]() | May 2009 | More modern by 56 months |
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial exact focusing | ||
Screen resolution | 922k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer screen (+462k dot) |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS3 over the Canon S120
ZS3 | S120 |
---|
Common features in the Canon S120 and Panasonic ZS3
S120 | ZS3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical screen measurements |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen |
Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 Physical Comparison
If you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon S120 enjoys outside measurements of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).
Look at the Canon S120 versus Panasonic ZS3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the S120 against the ZS3.
![Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 size comparison Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-PowerShot-S120-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S120 and ZS3 is 92 and 91 respectively.
![Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 top view buttons comparison Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-PowerShot-S120-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it's tough to envision the gap between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The pic here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the S120 and ZS3.
Clearly, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S120 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Canon S120 will give greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The younger S120 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.
![Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 sensor size comparison Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Canon-PowerShot-S120-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 Screen and ViewFinder
![Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-PowerShot-S120-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specifications
Canon PowerShot S120 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Canon | Panasonic |
Model | Canon PowerShot S120 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
Also referred to as | - | Lumix DMC-TZ7 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2013-11-26 | 2009-05-14 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Digic 6 | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 7.44 x 5.58mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 41.5mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 10 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3648 x 2736 |
Highest native ISO | 12800 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-120mm (5.0x) | 25-300mm (12.0x) |
Max aperture | f/1.8-5.7 | f/3.3-4.9 |
Macro focus range | 3cm | 3cm |
Crop factor | 4.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of screen | 922k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen technology | TFT PureColor II G Touch screen LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15s | 60s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/2000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 12.0 frames per sec | 2.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 7.00 m | 5.30 m (Auto ISO) |
Flash modes | Auto, on, slow synchro, off | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60 or 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD Lite |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 217g (0.48 pounds) | 229g (0.50 pounds) |
Dimensions | 100 x 59 x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") | 103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 56 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 21.3 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.9 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 246 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 230 photographs | - |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | NB-6LH | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Pricing at launch | $449 | $200 |