Nikon S3500 vs Panasonic ZR3

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Nikon S3500 vs Panasonic ZR3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the S3500 (20MP) and ZR3 (14MP) but they feature the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The S3500 was unveiled 3 years later than the ZR3 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summation of how the S3500 scores vs the ZR3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S3500 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The full galleries are available at Nikon S3500 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon S3500 has got exterior measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) and 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).

Take a look at the Nikon S3500 vs Panasonic ZR3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the S3500 compared to the ZR3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S3500 and ZR3 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by looking at technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the S3500 and ZR3.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Nikon S3500 to resolve more detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The fresher S3500 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.