Nikon D3 vs Panasonic ZS3

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Nikon D3 versus Panasonic ZS3, former is a Pro DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the D3 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the D3 (Full frame) and ZS3 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The D3 was unveiled 13 months before the ZS3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D3 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick view of how the D3 scores versus the ZS3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are provided at Nikon D3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D3 comes with outer dimensions of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") and a weight of 1300 grams (2.87 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Nikon D3 versus Panasonic ZS3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the D3 vs the ZS3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the D3 and ZS3 is 50 and 91 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The picture below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the D3 and ZS3.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The D3 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Nikon D3 will give extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged D3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.