Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic ZS3
95 Imaging
35 Features
21 Overall
29


91 Imaging
33 Features
30 Overall
31
Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F2.7-6.6) lens
- 132g - 97 x 57 x 22mm
- Announced August 2010
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
- 229g - 103 x 60 x 33mm
- Revealed May 2009
- Other Name is Lumix DMC-TZ7

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Overview
Following is a extended assessment of the Nikon S5100 versus Panasonic ZS3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S5100 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is relatively close and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The S5100 was brought out 16 months after the ZS3 which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the S5100 matches up versus the ZS3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S5100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon S5100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S5100 over the Panasonic ZS3
S5100 | ZS3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | August 2010 | ![]() | May 2009 | More modern by 16 months |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS3 over the Nikon S5100
ZS3 | S5100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon S5100 and Panasonic ZS3
S5100 | ZS3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Lacking Touch friendly screen |
Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Physical Comparison
When you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon S5100 has got outer measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon S5100 versus Panasonic ZS3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the S5100 versus the ZS3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S5100 and ZS3 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it can be hard to see the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through a spec sheet. The pic here may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the S5100 and ZS3.
As you can see, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Nikon S5100 to provide you with more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher S5100 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S5100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S5100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
Also called as | - | Lumix DMC-TZ7 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Announced | 2010-08-17 | 2009-05-14 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Expeed C2 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 10MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3648 x 2736 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 11 |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 25-300mm (12.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/2.7-6.6 | f/3.3-4.9 |
Macro focus range | 2cm | 3cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.7" | 3" |
Display resolution | 230 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 4 secs | 60 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/1500 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 2.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | - | 5.30 m (Auto ISO) |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 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 data format | Motion JPEG | 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 | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 132g (0.29 pounds) | 229g (0.50 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 97 x 57 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") | 103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
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/MMC/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail price | $200 | $200 |