Nikon S8100 vs Panasonic FH3

Here is a extended comparison of the Nikon S8100 and Panasonic FH3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S8100 (12MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is very close and they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The S8100 was announced 9 months later than the FH3 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the S8100 scores against the FH3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S8100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The whole galleries are available at Nikon S8100 Gallery & Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon S8100 provides physical dimensions of 104mm x 60mm x 30mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Panasonic FH3 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

See the Nikon S8100 and Panasonic FH3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the S8100 vs the FH3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S8100 and FH3 is 93 and 94 respectively.

Normally, its hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the S8100 and FH3.

As you can tell, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Panasonic FH3 to result in more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more recent S8100 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.