Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic ZS3

Lets look a little more in depth at the Panasonic FZ100 versus Panasonic ZS3, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and they are both offered by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the FZ100 (14MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but they use the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ100 was revealed 15 months after the ZS3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the FZ100 grades against the ZS3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ100 features physical dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS3 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ100 versus Panasonic ZS3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FZ100 and the ZS3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ100 and ZS3 is 67 and 91 respectively.

Often, its tough to see the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through specs. The picture underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ100 and ZS3.

All in all, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic FZ100 to result in more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more modern FZ100 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.