Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42
96 Imaging
35 Features
14 Overall
26


95 Imaging
33 Features
10 Overall
23
Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 640 x 480 video
- 27-108mm (F3.2-5.9) lens
- 116g - 94 x 56 x 19mm
- Launched February 2010
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.5" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1000 (Increase to 6400)
- 640 x 480 video
- 33-132mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 132g - 98 x 55 x 22mm
- Revealed April 2009

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Overview
Here is a in-depth analysis of the Nikon S3000 and Panasonic FS42, both Ultracompact cameras by brands Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S3000 (12MP) and the FS42 (10MP) is pretty close but the S3000 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") come with totally different sensor sizes.

The S3000 was released 10 months later than the FS42 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).
Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the S3000 matches up against the FS42 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S3000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The complete galleries are available at Nikon S3000 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S3000 over the Panasonic FS42
S3000 | FS42 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | February 2010 | ![]() | April 2009 | Fresher by 10 months |
Screen sizing | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Reasons to pick Panasonic FS42 over the Nikon S3000
FS42 | S3000 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon S3000 and Panasonic FS42
S3000 | FS42 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Equal screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither includes Touch screen |
Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Physical Comparison
For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Nikon S3000 features exterior dimensions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 116 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Panasonic FS42 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon S3000 and Panasonic FS42 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the S3000 vs the FS42.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the S3000 and FS42 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Sensor Comparison
Often, it is tough to see the difference in sensor sizing just by viewing technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S3000 and FS42.
As you can tell, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S3000 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Nikon S3000 will render more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more modern S3000 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S3000 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S3000 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 |
Type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Launched | 2010-02-03 | 2009-04-17 |
Physical type | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed C2 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.5" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 5.744 x 4.308mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 24.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 10 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3648 x 2736 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 1000 |
Max enhanced ISO | - | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 27-108mm (4.0x) | 33-132mm (4.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.2-5.9 | f/2.8-5.9 |
Macro focus range | 8cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 6.3 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 2.7" | 2.5" |
Resolution of screen | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 8s | 60s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/2000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 3.0 frames per second | 2.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | - | 6.30 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 640x480 | 640x480 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
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 sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 116 grams (0.26 pounds) | 132 grams (0.29 pounds) |
Dimensions | 94 x 56 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") | 98 x 55 x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery model | EN-EL10 | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC card, Internal |
Card slots | One | One |
Launch cost | $150 | $580 |