Nikon S630 vs Panasonic S3

Here is a complete overview of the Nikon S630 and Panasonic S3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S630 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The S630 was manufactured 23 months prior to the S3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick view of how the S630 scores against the S3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S630 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon S630 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon S630 features outside measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon S630 and Panasonic S3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the S630 versus the S3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the S630 and S3 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by looking at technical specs. The graphic below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the S630 and S3.

As you can tell, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You can count on the Panasonic S3 to resolve greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs more aggressively. The older S630 is going to be behind in sensor technology.