Panasonic ZS200 vs Panasonic S3

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZS200 vs Panasonic S3, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS200 (20MP) and S3 (14MP) and the ZS200 (1") and S3 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS200 was brought out 7 years later than the S3 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the ZS200 matches up versus the S3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS200 provides external dimensions of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") with a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS200 vs Panasonic S3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS200 and the S3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the ZS200 and S3 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements simply by seeing specifications. The visual here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS200 and S3.

To sum up, each of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS200 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS200 will show extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The newer ZS200 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.