Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic S3

Below, we are looking at the Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic S3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Panasonic. The resolution of the FZ70 (16MP) and the S3 (14MP) is fairly close and they feature the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FZ70 was revealed 2 years after the S3 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FZ70 grades versus the S3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ70 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ70 has outer measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") having a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic S3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FZ70 vs the S3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ70 and S3 is 63 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to see the difference in sensor sizes just by researching a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ70 and S3.

As you can see, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic FZ70 to provide you with greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more modern FZ70 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.