Panasonic S3 vs Panasonic ZS100

Below is a extended review of the Panasonic S3 vs Panasonic ZS100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both built by Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the S3 (14MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the S3 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The S3 was brought out 6 years before the ZS100 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the S3 matches up versus the ZS100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic S3 enjoys physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic S3 vs Panasonic ZS100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the S3 and the ZS100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S3 and ZS100 is 96 and 87 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading specs. The photograph below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the S3 and ZS100.

All in all, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S3 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older S3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.