Nikon D3200 vs Panasonic ZS100

Let's look more closely at the Nikon D3200 vs Panasonic ZS100, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the D3200 (24MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the D3200 (APS-C) and ZS100 (1") offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The D3200 was announced 4 years earlier than the ZS100 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon D3200 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the D3200 matches up versus the ZS100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D3200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon D3200 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon D3200 provides exterior measurements of 125mm x 96mm x 77mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") along with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS100 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Look at the Nikon D3200 vs Panasonic ZS100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the D3200 against the ZS100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D3200 and ZS100 is 67 and 87 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by going through technical specs. The pic here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the D3200 and ZS100.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The D3200 using its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Nikon D3200 will produce more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged D3200 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.