Panasonic FS42 vs Ricoh CX3

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic FS42 versus Ricoh CX3, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Ricoh. The image resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the CX3 (10MP) is very close but the FS42 (1/2.5") and CX3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The FS42 was manufactured 14 months prior to the CX3 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Ricoh CX3 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FS42 scores vs the CX3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Ricoh CX3. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Ricoh CX3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 has got 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) while the Ricoh CX3 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS42 versus Ricoh CX3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the FS42 versus the CX3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and CX3 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and CX3.

As you can see, each of these cameras have the same megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The FS42 has the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF tougher. The older FS42 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.