Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic FS42

The following is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic FH3 and Panasonic FS42, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact and both are sold by Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the FH3 (14MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the FH3 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH3 was brought out 9 months after the FS42 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the FH3 scores versus the FS42 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH3 has physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Panasonic FS42 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH3 and Panasonic FS42 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the FH3 vs the FS42.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH3 and FS42 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions only by checking out technical specs. The pic below might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FH3 and FS42.

As you can tell, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FH3 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic FH3 will provide greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more recent FH3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.