Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic ZS3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FH1 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is very well matched and they use the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FH1 was manufactured 8 months after the ZS3 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FH1 grades versus the ZS3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH1 provides outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic ZS3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the FH1 and the ZS3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FH1 and ZS3 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizes just by checking specs. The picture below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH1 and ZS3.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic FH1 to give you more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos much more aggressively. The fresher FH1 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.