Nikon P510 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to look closer at the Nikon P510 and Panasonic ZS3, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the P510 (16MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The P510 was unveiled 3 years later than the ZS3 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Nikon P510 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the P510 grades vs the ZS3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix P510 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon P510 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon P510 enjoys physical measurements of 120mm x 83mm x 102mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 4.0") along with a weight of 555 grams (1.22 lbs) whilst 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).

Compare the Nikon P510 and Panasonic ZS3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the P510 versus the ZS3.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the P510 and ZS3 is 66 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the gap in sensor measurements simply by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the P510 and ZS3.

Clearly, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Nikon P510 to render more detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger P510 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.