Panasonic FZ60 vs Panasonic S3

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic FZ60 and Panasonic S3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FZ60 (16MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively close and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FZ60 was brought out 19 months after the S3 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ60 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summary of how the FZ60 grades against the S3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ60 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ60 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ60 provides external measurements of 120mm x 81mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") along with a weight of 493 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FZ60 and Panasonic S3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FZ60 compared to the S3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ60 and S3 is 68 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes purely by researching technical specs. The picture underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ60 and S3.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You can count on the Panasonic FZ60 to render extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent FZ60 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.