Nikon S100 vs Panasonic SZ3
94 Imaging
39 Features
40 Overall
39


96 Imaging
39 Features
29 Overall
35
Nikon S100 vs Panasonic SZ3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-140mm (F3.9-4.8) lens
- 175g - 99 x 65 x 18mm
- Released August 2011
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 126g - 95 x 56 x 22mm
- Launched January 2013

Nikon S100 vs Panasonic SZ3 Overview
On this page, we will be looking at the Nikon S100 versus Panasonic SZ3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S100 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras boast the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The S100 was announced 16 months prior to the SZ3 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the S100 grades versus the SZ3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon S100 vs Panasonic SZ3 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon S100 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S100 over the Panasonic SZ3
S100 | SZ3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial accurate focus | ||
Screen dimensions | 3.5" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.8") |
Screen resolution | 820k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+590k dot) |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ3 over the Nikon S100
SZ3 | S100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2013 | ![]() | August 2011 | Newer by 16 months |
Common features in the Nikon S100 and Panasonic SZ3
S100 | SZ3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen |
Nikon S100 vs Panasonic SZ3 Physical Comparison
If you are looking to travel with your camera, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon S100 enjoys exterior measurements of 99mm x 65mm x 18mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 0.7") and a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ3 has measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).
See the Nikon S100 versus Panasonic SZ3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the S100 versus the SZ3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the S100 and SZ3 is 94 and 96 respectively.

Nikon S100 vs Panasonic SZ3 Sensor Comparison
Often, its hard to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions purely by checking a spec sheet. The pic here might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the S100 and SZ3.
As you can see, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same exact MP therefore you should expect similar quality of pictures but you really should consider the production date of the products into consideration. The more aged S100 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon S100 vs Panasonic SZ3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S100 vs Panasonic SZ3 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix S100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Released | 2011-08-24 | 2013-01-07 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Expeed C2 | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Full resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 125 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | - | 23 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 25-250mm (10.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.9-4.8 | f/3.1-5.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 1cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3.5" | 2.7" |
Display resolution | 820 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Display tech | Organic LED monitor | TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 4s | 60s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1600s |
Continuous shooting speed | 6.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 4.10 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720p (30fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
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 | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 175 gr (0.39 lbs) | 126 gr (0.28 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 99 x 65 x 18mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 0.7") | 95 x 56 x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around 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 life | 150 pictures | 250 pictures |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL12 | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Price at launch | $240 | $150 |