Panasonic LS5 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic LS5 versus Panasonic ZS3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both offered by Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the LS5 (14MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but they possess the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The LS5 was unveiled 2 years after the ZS3 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the LS5 scores versus the ZS3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LS5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic LS5 comes with physical dimensions of 97mm x 62mm x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LS5 versus Panasonic ZS3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the LS5 and the ZS3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the LS5 and ZS3 is 94 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The picture here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the LS5 and ZS3.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic LS5 to resolve more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more modern LS5 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.