Nikon D3200 vs Panasonic S3

Below, we will be looking at the Nikon D3200 and Panasonic S3, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the D3200 (24MP) and S3 (14MP) and the D3200 (APS-C) and S3 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizes.

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The D3200 was released 19 months later than the S3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Nikon D3200 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the D3200 matches up vs the S3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D3200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon D3200 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon D3200 provides physical measurements of 125mm x 96mm x 77mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

See the Nikon D3200 and Panasonic S3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the D3200 against the S3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the D3200 and S3 is 67 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the D3200 and S3.

As you can see, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The D3200 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh easier and the Nikon D3200 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The fresher D3200 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.