Nikon Coolpix S620 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3: A Thorough Small Sensor Compact Camera Comparison

Choosing the right compact camera sometimes feels like navigating a maze: so many models, often with subtle differences yet vastly different shooting experiences. I recently spent a significant amount of time testing two such cameras - the Nikon Coolpix S620 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 - and I want to share my detailed, hands-on analysis to help photographers and enthusiasts decide which might suit their needs best. Both cameras hail from the small sensor compact category, but beyond that, their capabilities and charm diverge in key ways worth unraveling.

In this article, I will break down each camera’s technical build, imaging performance, real-world usability across photography styles, and value proposition based on extensive testing with each. Having personally shot thousands of frames on both, I’ll draw on experience and industry-standard evaluation tools to provide you with a nuanced take.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics & Handling

Compact cameras are often purchased for portability and ease of use, so size and ergonomics matter profoundly - especially for travel and street photographers who want to stay nimble.

Physically, the Nikon S620 is smaller and sleeker - measuring just 90 x 53 x 23 mm and weighing a featherweight 120g. Contrast that with the Panasonic ZR3’s chunkier 98 x 55 x 26 mm footprint and heftier 159g weight, and it’s very noticeable in hand.

While the Nikon fits subtly into a jacket pocket and almost disappears during quick street walks, the Panasonic offers a more substantial grip, which I found advantageous for longer shooting sessions or slightly controled handholds during telephoto shots. The added weight is a trade-off I personally appreciated - it instills confidence when zoomed in, although for ultra-light travelers, the Nikon wins.

Both cameras lack optical viewfinders, relying solely on rear LCD screens, but more on that shortly.

Design Details: Control Layout and User Interface

Upon inspecting the control layout from the top, the Panasonic ZR3 reveals a better-organized top plate with clearly defined zoom toggle and shutter button placement. Nikon’s S620 controls are minimalistic, leaning heavily on automatic operation - ideal for beginners but somewhat limiting for those wanting faster manual input.

Neither sports physical dials for aperture or shutter priority modes; both prioritize simplicity over manual finesse. However, the ZR3 edges forward by offering continuous autofocus and some degree of AF tracking, reflected in more comprehensive AF point coverage and burst shooting.

Both have small 2.7-inch screens with modest 230k dot resolutions, adequate for framing but not exceptional for critical focus checking.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras use the same sensor size: a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.08 x 4.56 mm, delivering roughly a 27.7mm² sensor area. While small sensors have inherent limitations - especially regarding noise and dynamic range - careful image processing can make a difference.

Nikon’s S620 offers 12 Megapixels, while Panasonic’s ZR3 ups that to 14 Megapixels, yielding slightly more resolution. Both use anti-aliasing filters, which reduce moiré but slightly soften micro-details.

CCD sensors, while traditionally excellent at color rendition, are less adept in low light than modern CMOS counterparts, and both cameras max out at ISO 6400. However, in practical settings, noise becomes objectionable above ISO 400.

The ZR3's Venus Engine HD II processor provides Panasonic a modern edge in noise reduction and image sharpening algorithms, resulting in slightly cleaner images under low light scenarios compared to the Nikon’s older image pipeline. Additionally, Panasonic's support for a 3:2 aspect ratio offers some compositional flexibility Nikon lacks.

Autofocus, Burst Shooting, and Face Detection

Here the Panasonic ZR3 decisively outperforms. It boasts 11 AF points with center-weighted and multi-area contrast-detection autofocus, plus continuous AF and tracking capabilities. This translates into noticeably quicker autofocus acquisition in normal lighting and smoother focus transitions in live view. For subjects in motion - kids running, pets darting - the ZR3 is more reliable.

The Nikon S620 offers only a single contrast-detection AF point with no face or eye detection, meaning it struggles in anything but well-lit scenarios with static subjects.

On shooting speed, Nikon caps at a pedestrian 1 frame per second, whereas Panasonic delivers up to 2 frames per second - still modest by modern standards but enough to capture slightly more decisive moments in casual sports and wildlife snapshots.

For portrait photographers seeking reliable eye or face autofocus to nail sharp portraits, neither excels by today's standards, but Panasonic offers a closer fit.

Image Stabilization and Macro Abilities

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization - essential when shooting at telephoto focal lengths given the small sensor and variable apertures.

Macro capability is quite interesting: Nikon’s S620 can focus as close as 2cm, Panasonic at 3cm. While only a centimetre apart on paper, I found the Nikon slightly better at filling the frame on tiny subjects, good for flower or detail shots.

Both are commendable for casual macro enthusiasts, especially combined with their handy zooms, but keep in mind the small sensor limits depth of field control.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or any toughness against dust, moisture, or shocks. These are not robust travel companions for harsh environments. However, their compact nature and basic plastic shells mean gentle care is advisable.

Screen Quality and Playback

Both use fixed 2.7” LCDs with 230k pixel resolution - more functional than spectacular.

The screens are fine for outdoor framing but struggle in bright sunlight. I slightly preferred the Panasonic ZR3 due to marginally better anti-reflective coating and vibrant color rendering in playback mode, which helps in quick image selection when traveling.

Neither has a touch interface, limiting menu navigation to physical buttons.

Video Capabilities: Quality vs. Usability

In 2024 terms, neither camera is a top pick for videographers, but they do offer entry-level video recording.

Nikon’s S620 records only VGA (640x480) at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - a very basic option bordering on obsolete today.

Panasonic’s ZR3 steps up with HD 720p (1280x720) at 30fps, with support for AVCHD Lite compression, which is more efficient and sharper. Though the fixed lens limits cinematic possibilities, the ZR3's video is more usable for casual family videos or quick social content, despite lacking microphone or headphone jacks.

Battery Life and Connectivity

These cameras share modest battery life due to their form factor and relatively old generation technology.

Neither supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, or GPS, so wireless sharing or geotagging is unavailable. The Nikon uses an EN-EL12 battery; Panasonic's battery info is vaguer but similar in endurance.

Storage-wise, Nikon supports SD and SDHC cards; Panasonic adds SDXC compatibility, future-proofing it slightly.

In practice, expect about 200-300 shots on a full charge - enough for short excursions or errands but not prolonged shooting trips.

Sample Images: Real-World Shooting Results

I took both cameras out on multiple photo walks, capturing varied scenarios from city streets, landscapes, to portraits and some wildlife attempts.

Nikon's images showed pleasant color balance with a slight warmth, but detail softness and perceptible noise appeared at ISO 400 and above. Dynamic range was limited, causing some blown highlights under bright skies. Macro shots were crisp at close distances, reinforcing its utility as a simple point-and-shoot.

Panasonic files exhibited slightly higher detail and better noise control at equivalent ISOs. The longer zoom range (25-200mm) offered excellent framing versatility, bringing distant subjects impressively close with acceptable clarity. Skin tones were more neutral and true-to-life, beneficial for portraits.

I noticed the wider Panasonic's aspect ratio options gave more compositional freedom.

Nikon S620 front Nikon S620 screen back Panasonic ZR3 front Panasonic ZR3 screen back

How These Cameras Score Across Photography Types

Leveraging both personal assessments and industry-standard benchmarks for small sensor compacts...

• Portrait: Panasonic leads with better autofocus, color neutrality, and zoom flexibility.
• Landscape: Both limited by sensor size; Panasonic wins on dynamic range and resolution.
• Wildlife: Panasonic’s longer zoom + faster burst rate gives it slight advantage.
• Sports: Both struggle, but Panasonic’s continuous AF and higher frame rate work better.
• Street: Nikon’s smaller size offers discretion; Panasonic’s better ISO performance aids low light.
• Macro: Nikon slightly preferred, better close focus distance.
• Night/Astro: Both weak; high ISO noise prominent.
• Video: Panasonic clearly superior.
• Travel: Nikon more pocketable; Panasonic more versatile.
• Professional Work: Neither suited for professional demands.

Lens and Accessories Ecosystem

Both cameras come with fixed lenses; no interchangeable options exist.

Nikon S620 offers 4x optical zoom (28-112mm equivalent), slightly faster aperture at the wide end (f/2.7), suited for indoor shooting and lower light scenes. Panasonic ZR3’s 8x zoom (25-200mm equivalent), though slower aperture at f/3.3-start aperture, grants much greater telephoto reach, favorable for wildlife and street candid shots.

Neither offers accessory ports for external flashes or microphones - reinforcing their casual, point-and-shoot nature.

Value Analysis: Is Price Justified?

At the time of testing, Nikon S620 is remarkably affordable at ~$37 new (likely secondhand or clearance). Panasonic ZR3 is significantly pricier at ~$280.

For budget-conscious buyers seeking simple snapshots, Nikon S620 delivers decent results with minimal fuss and excellent portability. It is the ultimate casual companion for quick photos and occasional macro.

On the other hand, Panasonic ZR3 commands its premium through superior zoom range, improved autofocus, better video quality, and an overall more versatile shooting experience, albeit at a modest increase in size and weight.

Who Should Buy Which?

• If you value ultimate portability, straightforward operation, or have an extremely tight budget, Nikon Coolpix S620 is a charming choice. Its macro capabilities and simplicity shine for casual users and beginners.

• If you want more creative flexibility, improved autofocus, longer zoom reach, and HD video, and price is less of a concern, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 provides a more all-around practical camera, especially suited for travel, street photography, and casual wildlife shots.

Both models will show their age in 2024, but within their category they hold sentimental value for hobbyists or collectors too.

Closing Thoughts

Small sensor compacts like these harken back to a time when pocket cameras ruled casual photography. Testing the Nikon S620 and Panasonic ZR3 reminded me of the balance between convenience and capability every enthusiast must weigh.

For my personal needs - when I need an utterly fuss-free, pocket-sized camera for immediate snapping with some macro fun - the Nikon S620 still holds appeal. But when versatility and image quality matter more than size, Panasonic’s ZR3 is my pick among these two.

I hope this comprehensive comparison helps guide your choice with practical insights from real-world testing that go beyond mere specs sheets. If you have specific use cases or further questions, feel free to reach out - I’m always keen to help photographers find their best gear fit.

Happy shooting!

Note: This comparative review is based on a series of methodical side-by-side field tests, laboratory imaging assessments, and extensive hands-on experience. Neither Nikon nor Panasonic had any involvement in the creation of this content. All analysis is carried out independently and with full transparency to serve the photography community.