Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic ZS3

Below is a complete review of the Panasonic FZ70 and Panasonic ZS3, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and they are both built by Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the FZ70 (16MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FZ70 was announced 4 years later than the ZS3 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FZ70 matches up vs the ZS3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FZ70 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ70 has outer dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FZ70 and Panasonic ZS3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the FZ70 against the ZS3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ70 and ZS3 is 63 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements only by checking out technical specs. The graphic here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ70 and ZS3.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You can expect to see the Panasonic FZ70 to produce extra detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The fresher FZ70 should have a benefit in sensor tech.