Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3
90 Imaging
34 Features
18 Overall
27
![Nikon Coolpix S31 front Nikon Coolpix S31 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-Coolpix-S31/Nikon-S31-front.jpg)
![Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 front Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3/Panasonic-ZR3-front.jpg)
94 Imaging
37 Features
26 Overall
32
Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.9" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 1280 x 720 video
- 29-87mm (F) lens
- 185g - 105 x 65 x 42mm
- Announced June 2013
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-200mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 159g - 98 x 55 x 26mm
- Released January 2010
- Other Name is Lumix DMC-ZX3
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 Overview
Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Nikon S31 and Panasonic ZR3, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the S31 (10MP) and ZR3 (14MP) and the S31 (1/2.9") and ZR3 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
The S31 was unveiled 3 years later than the ZR3 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the S31 matches up against the ZR3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S31 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon S31 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S31 over the Panasonic ZR3
S31 | ZR3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | June 2013 | ![]() | January 2010 | Fresher by 42 months |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZR3 over the Nikon S31
ZR3 | S31 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon S31 and Panasonic ZR3
S31 | ZR3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | No manual focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display size | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Same display dimensions |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Identical display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither provides Touch display |
Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 Physical Comparison
If you are looking to carry your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon S31 provides physical dimensions of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR3 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon S31 and Panasonic ZR3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the S31 vs the ZR3.
![Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 size comparison Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Coolpix-S31-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3-size-comparison.jpg)
Using size and weight, the portability grade of the S31 and ZR3 is 90 and 94 respectively.
![Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 top view buttons comparison Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Coolpix-S31-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 Sensor Comparison
Often, it is difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specifications. The graphic below will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S31 and ZR3.
To sum up, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S31 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZR3 will offer you extra detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The fresher S31 provides an advantage in sensor tech.
![Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 sensor size comparison Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-Coolpix-S31-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Coolpix-S31-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZR3 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S31 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S31 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 |
Alternate name | - | Lumix DMC-ZX3 |
Category | Waterproof | Small Sensor Compact |
Announced | 2013-06-21 | 2010-01-26 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Venus Engine HD II |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.9" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 4.96 x 3.72mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 18.5mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10MP | 14MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4320 x 3240 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | - | 11 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 29-87mm (3.0x) | 25-200mm (8.0x) |
Max aperture | - | f/3.3-5.9 |
Macro focus range | - | 3cm |
Focal length multiplier | 7.3 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.7" | 2.7" |
Resolution of display | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 4 secs | 60 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/1300 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 2.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | - | 5.30 m |
Flash settings | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | - | AVCHD Lite |
Mic 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 proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 185 grams (0.41 pounds) | 159 grams (0.35 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 105 x 65 x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") | 98 x 55 x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around 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 life | 260 images | - |
Battery form | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | EN-EL12 | - |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD / SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail price | $90 | $280 |