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Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3

Portability
92
Imaging
42
Features
37
Overall
40
Nikon Coolpix S9500 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 front
Portability
91
Imaging
33
Features
30
Overall
31

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 Key Specs

Nikon S9500
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 125 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-550mm (F) lens
  • 205g - 110 x 60 x 31mm
  • Announced January 2013
  • Older Model is Nikon S9300
  • Replacement is Nikon S9700
Panasonic ZS3
(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
  • Also referred to as Lumix DMC-TZ7
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Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 Overview

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS3, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Nikon and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the S9500 (18MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The S9500 was introduced 3 years after the ZS3 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise overview of how the S9500 grades vs the ZS3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon S9500 over the Panasonic ZS3

 S9500 ZS3 
RevealedJanuary 2013May 2009Newer by 46 months
Screen resolution614k460kCrisper screen (+154k dot)

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS3 over the Nikon S9500

 ZS3 S9500 

Common features in the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS3

 S9500 ZS3 
Manually focus No manual focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen size3"3"Same screen sizing
Selfie screen Lacking selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Lacking Touch friendly screen

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 Physical Comparison

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon S9500 enjoys physical measurements of 110mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the S9500 against the ZS3.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 size comparison

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the S9500 and ZS3 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 top view buttons comparison

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 Sensor Comparison

Oftentimes, its hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the S9500 and ZS3.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You should expect the Nikon S9500 to provide extra detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher S9500 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 sensor size comparison

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon S9500 as a Portrait photography camera
Panasonic ZS3 as a Portrait photography camera
31
good resolution (18MP)
focusing manually not possible
no manual exposure
no external flash support
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
19
focusing manually not possible
lack of manual mode
external flash not possible
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW support
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Street Comparison

Nikon S9500 as a Street photography camera
Panasonic ZS3 as a Street photography camera
62
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competitors (205 grams)
screen is fixed
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
60
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition (229 grams)
screen does not articulate
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW support
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Sports Comparison

Nikon S9500 as a Sports photography camera
Panasonic ZS3 as a Sports photography camera
42
excellent zoom range (25-550mm 22.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (18 megapixels)
lack of shutter priority mode
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
not so great battery life (230 shots)
doesn't have phase detect auto focus
24
has image stabilization (Optical)
max fps very slow (2.0 frames per second)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S9500 Travel photography information
Panasonic ZS3 Travel photography information
71
lighter than competitors (205 grams)
good resolution (18MP)
built-in flash
fairly wide (25mm)
very long zoom (550mm)
good max aperture (f)
lack of Time Lapse function
not so great battery life (230 per charge)
display isn't selfie friendly
63
lighter than competition (229g)
flash built-in
quite wide (25mm)
long reach (300mm)
does not have Time Lapse mode
sensor resolution low (10MP)
display is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon S9500 Landscape photography advice
Panasonic ZS3 Landscape photography advice
46
fairly wide (25mm)
good max aperture (f)
good sized screen (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (18MP)
focusing manually not possible
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
no manual exposure
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files
not so great battery life (230 shots)
lack of Time Lapse function
35
quite wide (25mm)
screen size is good (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
focusing manually not possible
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
lack of manual mode
sensor resolution low (10MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW support
does not have Time Lapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S9500 as a Vlogging camera
Panasonic ZS3 as a Vlogging camera
36
fairly wide (25mm)
good max aperture (f)
has image stabilization (Optical)
video res high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competitors (205g)
display isn't selfie friendly
lack of external mic jack
30
quite wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition (229g)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
display is not selfie friendly
low res video (1280 x 720 resolution)
does not have external mic jack
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Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS3
 Nikon Coolpix S9500Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
General Information
Make Nikon Panasonic
Model type Nikon Coolpix S9500 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Also called as - Lumix DMC-TZ7
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Announced 2013-01-29 2009-05-14
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.16 x 4.62mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 28.5mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 18 megapixels 10 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio - 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 4896 x 3672 3648 x 2736
Maximum native ISO 1600 6400
Minimum native ISO 125 80
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Total focus points 99 11
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 25-550mm (22.0x) 25-300mm (12.0x)
Highest aperture - f/3.3-4.9
Macro focusing range - 3cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.9
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 614k dot 460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Display technology OLED monitor -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 4 seconds 60 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/1500 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 7.5 frames per second 2.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance - 5.30 m (Auto ISO)
Flash options - Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video format - AVCHD Lite
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS BuiltIn None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 205 grams (0.45 lb) 229 grams (0.50 lb)
Physical dimensions 110 x 60 x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") 103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 230 photographs -
Type of battery Battery Pack -
Battery ID EN-EL12 -
Self timer - Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal
Storage slots One One
Retail price $230 $200