Panasonic FZ80 vs Panasonic S3

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FZ80 vs Panasonic S3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the FZ80 (18MP) and S3 (14MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FZ80 was brought out 6 years later than the S3 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FZ80 scores against the S3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ80 comes with exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") accompanied by a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FZ80 vs Panasonic S3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the FZ80 against the S3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ80 and S3 is 63 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The photograph here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ80 and S3.

Plainly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic FZ80 to provide you with more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern FZ80 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.