Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic FZ2500

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic FZ2500, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the FH3 (14MP) and FZ2500 (20MP) and the FH3 (1/2.3") and FZ2500 (1") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The FH3 was revealed 7 years before the FZ2500 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ2500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FH3 matches up against the FZ2500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH3 Gallery & Panasonic FZ2500 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH3 offers outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ2500 has dimensions of 138mm x 102mm x 135mm (5.4" x 4.0" x 5.3") accompanied by a weight of 915 grams (2.02 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic FZ2500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the FH3 compared to the FZ2500.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FH3 and FZ2500 is 94 and 53 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FH3 and FZ2500.

As you can see, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH3 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh tougher and the Panasonic FZ2500 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older FH3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.