Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZR3

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic ZR3, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are offered by Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and ZR3 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and ZR3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

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The FS42 was brought out 9 months prior to the ZR3 and they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the FS42 scores vs the ZR3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 offers outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic ZR3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the FS42 versus the ZR3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and ZR3 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at specifications. The pic below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and ZR3.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FS42 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic ZR3 will resolve extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FS42 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.