Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic S3
93 Imaging
36 Features
21 Overall
30


96 Imaging
37 Features
24 Overall
31
Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic S3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-224mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 178g - 100 x 56 x 28mm
- Launched January 2010
- Other Name is Lumix DMC-FS30
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-112mm (F3.1-5.6) lens
- 117g - 99 x 59 x 21mm
- Announced January 2011

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic S3 Overview
On this page, we are looking at the Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic S3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and they are both offered by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FH20 (14MP) and the S3 (14MP) is very close and both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The FH20 was launched 12 months prior to the S3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the FH20 matches up against the S3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic S3 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic FH20 over the Panasonic S3
FH20 | S3 |
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Reasons to pick Panasonic S3 over the Panasonic FH20
S3 | FH20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | January 2011 | ![]() | January 2010 | More recent by 12 months |
Common features in the Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic S3
FH20 | S3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimensions | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Equal display measurements |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither contains selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Absent Touch friendly display |
Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic S3 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH20 has got physical measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).
Check out the Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic S3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the FH20 vs the S3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH20 and S3 is 93 and 96 respectively.

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic S3 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements only by researching specs. The graphic below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FH20 and S3.
As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same MP therefore you should expect comparable quality of photographs though you might want to take the release date of the cameras into account. The older FH20 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic S3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic S3 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Panasonic | Panasonic |
Model type | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 |
Otherwise known as | Lumix DMC-FS30 | - |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2010-01-06 | 2011-01-05 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Venus Engine IV |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14MP | 14MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4320 x 3240 | 4320 x 3240 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-224mm (8.0x) | 28-112mm (4.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.3-5.9 | f/3.1-5.6 |
Macro focusing range | 5cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 2.7 inches | 2.7 inches |
Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Screen technology | - | TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 60 secs | 8 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1600 secs | 1/1600 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 5.0 frames per sec | 2.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.80 m (Auto ISO) | 3.30 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 178 gr (0.39 lb) | 117 gr (0.26 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 100 x 56 x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") | 99 x 59 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 250 shots |
Battery format | - | Battery Pack |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Cost at launch | $179 | $110 |