Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic ZS3

Let's look closer at the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic ZS3, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the FP5 (14MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FP5 was released 21 months later than the ZS3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FP5 grades vs the ZS3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FP5 has outer measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic ZS3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the FP5 against the ZS3.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FP5 and ZS3 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through specs. The photograph below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FP5 and ZS3.

All in all, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Panasonic FP5 to render more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern FP5 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.