Nikon S3100 vs Panasonic ZS50

Following is a in depth review of the Nikon S3100 versus Panasonic ZS50, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S3100 (14MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is relatively well matched and they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The S3100 was revealed 4 years prior to the ZS50 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Nikon S3100 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the S3100 grades vs the ZS50 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S3100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The full galleries are available at Nikon S3100 Gallery & Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon S3100 comes with outer dimensions of 94mm x 58mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 118 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS50 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon S3100 versus Panasonic ZS50 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the S3100 vs the ZS50.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S3100 and ZS50 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to see the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking specs. The pic here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S3100 and ZS50.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Nikon S3100 to give you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged S3100 is going to be behind in sensor technology.