Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic S3

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic S3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FZ300 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FZ300 was revealed 4 years after the S3 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the FZ300 scores against the S3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ300 comes with outer measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic S3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FZ300 and the S3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ300 and S3 is 59 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizes purely by seeing a spec sheet. The picture here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ300 and S3.

Clearly, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should count on the Panasonic S3 to produce extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The newer FZ300 should have an edge in sensor innovation.