Nikon P340 vs Panasonic Lumix SZ3: A Comprehensive Compact Camera Showdown

When it comes to small sensor compacts, the market is flooded with budget-friendly options that promise versatility without the weight and bulk of larger system cameras. Among these, the Nikon Coolpix P340 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 stand out as contenders from the mid-2010s aimed at casual photographers who want something ready to shoot yet relatively capable. With the Nikon P340 released in early 2014 and the Panasonic SZ3 debuting a year earlier, they occupy similar spaces but take distinct approaches to optics, sensor tech, and user experience.

Having put both through our standard battery of tests - spanning technical labs, controlled environment shoots, and outdoor fieldwork - this exhaustive comparison aims to guide enthusiasts and prosumers on which might suit different photography needs and budgets. We’ll break down physical handling, image quality, autofocus prowess, and performance across a variety of genres to distill meaningful differences.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Handling in Hand

When picking up a camera, the feel and control layout can make or break the shooting experience. Here, the Nikon P340’s slightly heftier frame (194g vs 126g) and more substantial dimensions (103x58x32 mm vs 95x56x22 mm) impart a reassuring quality and better grip security. The Nikon’s design caters to photographers who appreciate physical dials and buttons, offering direct access to shutter priority, aperture priority, manual modes, and exposure compensation - a rarity in compacts at this price.

In contrast, the Panasonic SZ3 is ultra-compact, light, and minimalist, leaning towards the casual snapshot user wanting simple point-and-shoot operation over tactile control. It lacks manual exposure modes or shutter speed adjustment, which may feel stifling if you want to push creative boundaries.

The Nikon’s larger 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD screen affords a brighter and more detailed live view experience compared to the Panasonic’s 2.7-inch, relatively low-res 230k-dot display. While neither camera offers touch sensitivity or an EVF, the Nikon’s screen gives more confidence when framing or reviewing images, especially in daylight.

For top-down design, the Nikon packs dedicated dials and buttons arranged ergonomically for quick adjustments. The Panasonic’s control surface is barebones, which could appeal to users overwhelmed by excessive controls but disappointing for those wanting fleeting access to settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: Seeing Through the Lens

The fundamental difference between these contenders is their sensor technology. The Nikon P340 sports a 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 12 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic SZ3 opts for a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 16 megapixels.

From my years testing both CCD and BSI-CMOS sensors, the latter often offers superior dynamic range, better color depth, and low-light performance due to back-illumination technology. Indeed, Nikon’s sensor area of 41.5mm² eclipses Panasonic’s 27.7mm², enabling larger photodiodes and improved light gathering. While the Panasonic’s higher pixel count might look appealing on paper, it’s a classic compromise: cramming more pixels on a smaller sensor increases noise and reduces per-pixel signal quality.

In practical shooting, this means the Nikon delivers richer color fidelity, more gradations in shadows and highlights, and substantially less noise at native ISOs. The DxOMark score of 54 (good for a compact) for the Nikon reflects this advantage, while the Panasonic went untested due to its entry-level positioning but is generally expected to lag behind in measured image quality.

This sensor edge makes a noticeable difference outdoors shooting landscapes with high contrast or under dim indoor lighting - where we saw the Nikon preserve detail and texture without sacrificing colors or introducing excessive grain.

Zoom Range and Lens Considerations: Versatility vs Aperture

Lens-wise, the Panasonic dazzles with a 25-250 mm equivalent zoom offering a 10x reach - ideal for travel and wildlife shots where you want to get closer without swapping glass. But the trade-off is the optical speed: f/3.1-5.9 maximum aperture, dimmer than the Nikon’s brighter f/1.8-5.6 rated 24-120 mm (5x) zoom. Faster apertures on the Nikon also aid low-light shooting and produce more pleasing subject isolation with creamier bokeh.

That 24mm wide-angle start on the Nikon P340 gives landscapes room to breathe, unlike the Panasonic's slightly narrower 25mm start. While the zoom reach is more conservative, the Nikon’s lens has classical photographic virtues - optical quality with less distortion and higher sharpness visible even in corners.

The Panasonic’s long zoom is impressive but less sharp and with more vignetting near telephoto limits. In wildlife or street contexts, that zoom can be tempting but not at the cost of sharpness and detail loss.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy & Tracking

Autofocus systems on compacts generally don’t dazzle compared to DSLRs or mirrorless hybrids, but even here we see noticeable differences.

The Nikon P340 employs contrast detection AF with face detection and limited tracking capabilities. While it lacks phase detection, its AF is snappy in ample light, locking focus quickly on eyes and faces - important in portraits. Unfortunately, neither camera has animal eye AF or advanced tracking modes.

The Panasonic SZ3 offers a contrast-based AF that is slower and sometimes hunts in moderate light but provides continuous AF and tracking with 23 focus points - a high number for a compact. Still, the sluggish responsiveness and less sophisticated algorithms mean it lags behind the Nikon on quick snaps or sports scenarios.

The Nikon's continuous shooting at 10fps outpaces Panasonic’s plodding 1fps burst, beneficial for capturing fleeting wildlife or action shots.

Video Capabilities: What’s the Moving Picture Shop Like?

Video enthusiasts will find the Nikon P340 better equipped. It records Full HD 1080p at multiple frame rates, up to 60i, with modern H.264 compression - solid for casual videos. Optical image stabilization reduces shake noticeably.

The Panasonic SZ3 tops out at 720p HD in Motion JPEG, an older codec with larger files and lower efficiency. Frame rates max out at 30fps, and absence of an HDMI port limits external monitoring or use in workflows.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. If video is a significant consideration, the Nikon is the clearer choice for better resolution, compression, and stabilization.

Battery Life and Storage: Stamina for the Shoot

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs. The Panasonic’s SZ3 boasts a nominal 250-shot life rating, slightly edging the Nikon’s 220 shots. In practice, both fall short for extensive shooting days; carry spares for extended outings.

Storage-wise, both rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with Panasonic also supporting internal memory - a minor comfort but unlikely sufficient.

Connectivity differs sharply. Nikon includes built-in wireless for image transfer, a convenience for quickly offloading photos. Panasonic lacks wireless entirely, meaning you’ll need cables for data exchange.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Ergonomics Under the Hood

Neither camera is weather sealed or built tough, keeping them firmly in the “gentle use” category. However, the Nikon shows more confident build quality, with a solid metallic body construction compared to the Panasonic’s plastic shell which feels less durable.

The Nikon’s control layout supports more complex shooting styles without frustration. The Panasonic’s simplicity may be appealing to casual shooters but constrains more serious photographic expression.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Where Each Shines

Let’s consider how these cameras perform across photography types, integrating our test results and real-world shooting notes.

Portraiture

Portraits demand accurate skin rendering, eye detection, and pleasing background blur. The Nikon’s wider aperture and face/eye detect autofocus lend themselves to superior portraits with natural skin tones and softer bokeh. The Panasonic’s narrow apertures yield sharper backgrounds, less separation, and less flattering skin tone reproduction.

Landscape

Landscape photography benefits from dynamic range and resolution. Nikon’s superior sensor enables better highlight preservation in skies and more detail in shadows. The Panasonic’s smaller sensor and lower dynamic range result in less latitude for post-processing.

Wildlife

Wildlife needs reach and autofocus speed. Panasonic’s 10x zoom is tempting but compromised by slower AF and low frame rates. Nikon’s shorter zoom but faster AF and burst are better suited to more dynamic subjects, although neither can replace a dedicated long lens or DSLR.

Sports

Neither camera truly excels for fast sports due to autofocus limits. Nikon’s faster shooting rate and prioritization controls give it a slight edge.

Street

Street photography often prioritizes portability and low-light ability. Panasonic wins on weight but Nikon’s brighter lens and better low-light sensor suit dim indoor or evening street scenes better.

Macro

Macro is about close focus and precision. Nikon’s 2cm minimum focus distance outperforms Panasonic’s 5cm, capturing finer detail.

Night/Astro

Low noise at high ISO is key. Nikon’s BSI sensor delivers less grain and better exposure control for night shots.

Video

Nikon offers superior HD video quality and stabilization.

Travel

For traveling, Panasonic’s compact size, light weight, and zoom versatility matter. Nikon’s better optics and controls suit travelers willing to carry a bit more gear.

Professional Work

Neither a pro-level tool, but Nikon’s RAW support and exposure controls offer more workflow integration possibilities.

Nikon P340 front Nikon P340 screen back Panasonic SZ3 front Panasonic SZ3 screen back

Technical Performance Summary: Scores and Insights

Measured against benchmarks, Nikon outperforms Panasonic across most important metrics. The Nikon earns strong color depth, dynamic range, and low-light scores for a compact.

Genre-specific ratings underline Nikon’s lead in portrait, landscape, and low-light use, while Panasonic scores better modestly on zoom reach and battery.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Pick Which?

The Nikon Coolpix P340 commands a premium over the Panasonic SZ3’s lower price, but it brings substantial gains in image quality, control, and versatility. It suits photography lovers who want a compact camera capable of creative expression without the complexity or bulk of interchangeable lenses.

The Panasonic Lumix SZ3 is more a grab-and-go snapper, optimized for basic travel documentation or beginners desiring a long zoom and compactness without fuss. It will satisfy budget buyers who favor travel reach over image fidelity.

Recommendations:

• For enthusiasts/prosumers prioritizing image quality, control, and video: Nikon P340 is the thoughtful choice.

• For entry-level users seeking light weight, long zoom, and simple operation: Panasonic SZ3 delivers decent performance at a bargain.

• For portrait, landscape, or any low-light shooting: Nikon’s sensor and lens advantages stand tall.

• If extended zoom reach and compactness are paramount with less concern for ultimate image quality: Panasonic may suffice.

This comparison reflects many long hours shooting side by side with each camera - verifying specs, running autofocus timing tests, and field-checking image results. Choosing a compact is ultimately about balancing priorities between sophistication and simplicity - and here, Nikon and Panasonic tell very different stories.

I hope this review has helped clarify their strengths and real-world suitability, equipping you to pick the right tool for your photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!

All lens and sensor measurements, frame rates, and specifications referenced are based on manufacturer data and verified test results; images included showcase true JPEG outputs from both cameras under standardized test conditions.