Panasonic S3 vs Panasonic ZS30

Here, we are looking at the Panasonic S3 vs Panasonic ZS30, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the S3 (14MP) and ZS30 (18MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The S3 was released 24 months earlier than the ZS30 making them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summation of how the S3 scores against the ZS30 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic S3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S3 offers exterior measurements 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 ZS30 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic S3 vs Panasonic ZS30 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the S3 vs the ZS30.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S3 and ZS30 is 96 and 92 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading specs. The pic underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S3 and ZS30.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Panasonic ZS30 to offer greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged S3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.