Panasonic FH5 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic FH5 and Panasonic ZS3, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FH5 was introduced 21 months after the ZS3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a concise summary of how the FH5 grades versus the ZS3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH5 features physical measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS3 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH5 and Panasonic ZS3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the FH5 against the ZS3.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and ZS3 is 96 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The pic underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and ZS3.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Panasonic FH5 to resolve extra detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics much more aggressively. The younger FH5 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.