Casio EX-Z280 vs Panasonic ZS3
96 Imaging
34 Features
21 Overall
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91 Imaging
32 Features
30 Overall
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Casio EX-Z280 vs Panasonic ZS3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 64 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-104mm (F2.6-5.9) lens
- 133g - 97 x 53 x 20mm
- Released August 2009
(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
- Launched May 2009
- Also Known as Lumix DMC-TZ7
Photography Glossary Casio EX-Z280 vs Panasonic ZS3 Overview
Let's look a bit more closely at the Casio EX-Z280 and Panasonic ZS3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Casio and Panasonic. The image resolution of the EX-Z280 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is relatively similar and both cameras provide the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe EX-Z280 was revealed 4 months later than the ZS3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before we go right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick view of how the EX-Z280 scores versus the ZS3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
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Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Casio Exilim EX-Z280 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are available at Casio EX-Z280 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Casio EX-Z280 over the Panasonic ZS3
| EX-Z280 | ZS3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manually focus | More accurate focus |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS3 over the Casio EX-Z280
| ZS3 | EX-Z280 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen dimensions | 3" | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") | |
| Screen resolution | 460k | 115k | Crisper screen (+345k dot) |
Common features in the Casio EX-Z280 and Panasonic ZS3
| EX-Z280 | ZS3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | August 2009 | May 2009 | Similar generation | |
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Selfie screen | Neither features selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | Neither features Touch friendly screen |
Casio EX-Z280 vs Panasonic ZS3 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Casio EX-Z280 enjoys physical dimensions of 97mm x 53mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.8") having a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).
Check out the Casio EX-Z280 and Panasonic ZS3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the EX-Z280 vs the ZS3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the EX-Z280 and ZS3 is 96 and 91 respectively.
Casio EX-Z280 vs Panasonic ZS3 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing only by reading specs. The graphic here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the EX-Z280 and ZS3.
All in all, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Casio EX-Z280 to offer more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively.
Casio EX-Z280 vs Panasonic ZS3 Screen and ViewFinder
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Casio EX-Z280 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specifications
| Casio Exilim EX-Z280 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Casio | Panasonic |
| Model type | Casio Exilim EX-Z280 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
| Also called | - | Lumix DMC-TZ7 |
| Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
| Released | 2009-08-31 | 2009-05-14 |
| Body design | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
| Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 12MP | 10MP |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Peak resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3648 x 2736 |
| Highest native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
| Min native ISO | 64 | 80 |
| RAW pictures | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| Touch to focus | ||
| Autofocus continuous | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Tracking autofocus | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Multi area autofocus | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detection autofocus | ||
| Contract detection autofocus | ||
| Phase detection autofocus | ||
| Total focus points | - | 11 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens zoom range | 26-104mm (4.0x) | 25-300mm (12.0x) |
| Maximal aperture | f/2.6-5.9 | f/3.3-4.9 |
| Macro focusing range | 5cm | 3cm |
| Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen size | 2.7 inches | 3 inches |
| Resolution of screen | 115k dot | 460k dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch display | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 4 seconds | 60 seconds |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
| Continuous shutter speed | - | 2.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual exposure | ||
| Set white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash distance | 4.20 m | 5.30 m (Auto ISO) |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
| External flash | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (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 | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
| Video data format | Motion JPEG | AVCHD Lite |
| Microphone jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment seal | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 133 gr (0.29 lb) | 229 gr (0.50 lb) |
| Physical dimensions | 97 x 53 x 20mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.8") | 103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery ID | NP-80 | - |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Triple) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse recording | ||
| Storage media | SD/SDHC card, Internal | SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal |
| Storage slots | Single | Single |
| Pricing at release | $180 | $200 |