Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic ZS3

Let's look a little more closely at the Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic ZS3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the FH20 (14MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FH20 was announced 8 months later than the ZS3 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the FH20 scores against the ZS3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH20 has external measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic ZS3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view size comparison of the FH20 versus the ZS3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH20 and ZS3 is 93 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH20 and ZS3.

Clearly, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic FH20 to offer extra detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The younger FH20 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.