Nikon L19 vs Panasonic ZS3

Below is a detailed analysis of the Nikon L19 versus Panasonic ZS3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the L19 (8MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the L19 (1/2.5") and ZS3 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The L19 was manufactured 3 months earlier than the ZS3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the L19 grades against the ZS3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L19 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon L19 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and volume. The Nikon L19 comes with outer dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Nikon L19 versus Panasonic ZS3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the L19 vs the ZS3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the L19 and ZS3 is 94 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements merely by looking at specifications. The photograph here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the L19 and ZS3.

To sum up, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The L19 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS3 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively.