Nikon S33 vs Panasonic S3

Following is a thorough assessment of the Nikon S33 vs Panasonic S3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S33 (13MP) and the S3 (14MP) is very close but the S33 (1/3.1") and S3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S33 was unveiled 4 years after the S3 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise summary of how the S33 scores against the S3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S33 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are provided at Nikon S33 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S33 provides outside measurements of 110mm x 66mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") along with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon S33 vs Panasonic S3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the S33 vs the S3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S33 and S3 is 91 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to see the difference in sensor sizes just by researching a spec sheet. The pic below will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S33 and S3.

As you can see, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S33 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic S3 will provide you with more detail having an extra 1MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics way more aggressively. The fresher S33 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.