Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3
91 Imaging
35 Features
41 Overall
37


91 Imaging
33 Features
30 Overall
31
Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 160 - 3200
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-450mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
- 214g - 105 x 62 x 35mm
- Released July 2011
- Updated by Nikon S9300
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
- 229g - 103 x 60 x 33mm
- Announced May 2009
- Other Name is Lumix DMC-TZ7

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Overview
Here, we are contrasting the Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S9100 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is fairly similar and both cameras provide the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

The S9100 was unveiled 2 years after the ZS3 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the S9100 matches up vs the ZS3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are provided at Nikon S9100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S9100 over the Panasonic ZS3
S9100 | ZS3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | July 2011 | ![]() | May 2009 | Newer by 27 months |
Focus manually | ![]() | More exact focus | ||
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper display (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS3 over the Nikon S9100
ZS3 | S9100 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon S9100 and Panasonic ZS3
S9100 | ZS3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither provides Touch display |
Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Physical Comparison
In case you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you need to consider its weight and size. The Nikon S9100 provides outer dimensions of 105mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the S9100 versus the ZS3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S9100 and ZS3 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, its difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading technical specs. The image below will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S9100 and ZS3.
As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Nikon S9100 to deliver extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more modern S9100 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S9100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S9100 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
Alternative name | - | Lumix DMC-TZ7 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2011-07-19 | 2009-05-14 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed C2 | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 10MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3648 x 2736 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 160 | 80 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 25-450mm (18.0x) | 25-300mm (12.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.5-5.9 | f/3.3-4.9 |
Macro focus distance | 4cm | 3cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 921 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen tech | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 4 secs | 60 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 10.0fps | 2.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 4.00 m | 5.30 m (Auto ISO) |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (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 | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD Lite |
Microphone 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 | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 214 grams (0.47 pounds) | 229 grams (0.50 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 105 x 62 x 35mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.4") | 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 life | 270 images | - |
Battery form | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | EN-EL12 | - |
Self timer | Yes (10 or 2 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch cost | $329 | $200 |