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Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42

Portability
96
Imaging
35
Features
14
Overall
26
Nikon Coolpix S3000 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 front
Portability
95
Imaging
33
Features
10
Overall
23

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Key Specs

Nikon S3000
(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
Panasonic FS42
(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
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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.

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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.

Photography Glossary

        

Reasons to pick Nikon S3000 over the Panasonic FS42

 S3000 FS42 
RevealedFebruary 2010April 2009Fresher by 10 months
Screen sizing2.7"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 typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution230k230kEqual 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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 size comparison

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

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 top view buttons comparison

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 sensor size comparison

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon S3000 Portrait photography highlights
Panasonic FS42 Portrait photography highlights
21
focusing manually not possible
lack of manual exposure
no external flash support
sensor resolution low (12MP)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
19
focusing manually not possible
no manual mode
cannot use external flash
low megapixels (10MP)
sensor is small (1/2.5")
lacks RAW support
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Street Comparison

Nikon S3000 Street photography details
Panasonic FS42 Street photography details
48
no articulating screen
lack of image stabilization
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
47
screen is fixed
lack of image stabilization
sensor is small (1/2.5")
lacks RAW support
max ISO too low (1,000)
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Sports Comparison

Nikon S3000 as a Sports photography camera
Panasonic FS42 as a Sports photography camera
17
continuous shooting slow (3.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority mode
lack of image stabilization
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect AF
16
max fps very slow (2.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
lack of image stabilization
low megapixels (10MP)
sensor is small (1/2.5")
lacks phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S3000 Travel photography advice
Panasonic FS42 Travel photography advice
58
has built in flash
quite wide (27mm)
does not have Time Lapse mode
sensor resolution low (12MP)
display isn't selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.2)
51
flash built-in
no Time Lapse function
low megapixels (10 megapixels)
screen isn't selfie friendly
wide angle not great (33mm)
slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon S3000 as a Landscape photography camera
Panasonic FS42 as a Landscape photography camera
28
quite wide (27mm)
focusing manually not possible
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.2)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inch)
lack of manual exposure
lack of image stabilization
sensor resolution low (12MP)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
does not have Time Lapse mode
22
focusing manually not possible
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not great (33mm)
slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
tiny screen (2.5")
no manual mode
lack of image stabilization
low megapixels (10MP)
sensor is small (1/2.5")
max ISO too low (1,000)
lacks RAW support
no Time Lapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S3000 Vlogging advice
Panasonic FS42 Vlogging advice
26
quite wide (27mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.2)
display isn't selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
video res low (640 x 480 pxls)
does not have mic socket
22
wide angle not great (33mm)
slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen isn't selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
video resolution low (640 x 480 pixels)
no mic support
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Nikon S3000 vs Panasonic FS42 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S3000 and Panasonic FS42
 Nikon Coolpix S3000Panasonic 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