Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic TS3

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic TS3, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Waterproof and both are designed by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the TS3 (12MP) is very similar but the FS42 (1/2.5") and TS3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was introduced 3 years prior to the TS3 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic TS3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FS42 matches up versus the TS3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic TS3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 features external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic TS3 has specifications of 103mm x 64mm x 27mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic TS3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the FS42 against the TS3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and TS3 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements merely by going over technical specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and TS3.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FS42 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic TS3 will offer you extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.