Panasonic ZS200 vs Ricoh CX3

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic ZS200 versus Ricoh CX3, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Ricoh. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the ZS200 (20MP) and CX3 (10MP) and the ZS200 (1") and CX3 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS200 was manufactured 7 years later than the CX3 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Ricoh CX3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short view of how the ZS200 grades against the CX3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 and Ricoh CX3. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery and Ricoh CX3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS200 has got outer dimensions of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") and a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs) while the Ricoh CX3 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS200 versus Ricoh CX3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS200 against the CX3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS200 and CX3 is 86 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS200 and CX3.

Clearly, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS200 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS200 will deliver extra detail due to its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger ZS200 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.