Panasonic SZ10 vs Panasonic ZS3

Here is a extended review of the Panasonic SZ10 and Panasonic ZS3, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the SZ10 (16MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ10 was manufactured 5 years later than the ZS3 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ10 matches up against the ZS3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic SZ10 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ10 comes with external measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ10 and Panasonic ZS3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ10 compared to the ZS3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ10 and ZS3 is 93 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing technical specs. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ10 and ZS3.

As you can tell, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Panasonic SZ10 to offer you extra detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The younger SZ10 will have an advantage in sensor tech.