Clicky

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1

Portability
94
Imaging
37
Features
26
Overall
32
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 front
 
Pentax Optio S1 front
Portability
93
Imaging
37
Features
31
Overall
34

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 Key Specs

Panasonic ZR3
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-200mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 159g - 98 x 55 x 26mm
  • Revealed January 2010
  • Also Known as Lumix DMC-ZX3
Pentax S1
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
  • 157g - 114 x 58 x 28mm
  • Launched March 2011
Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 Overview

Its time to examine more closely at the Panasonic ZR3 versus Pentax S1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the S1 (14MP) is relatively similar and they use the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

The ZR3 was brought out 13 months prior to the S1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the ZR3 grades vs the S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp
	
	

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZR3 over the Pentax S1

 ZR3 S1 

Reasons to pick Pentax S1 over the Panasonic ZR3

 S1 ZR3 
LaunchedMarch 2011January 2010Newer by 13 months
Focus manually More accurate focusing

Common features in the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax S1

 ZR3 S1 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen dimension2.7"2.7"Identical screen size
Screen resolution230k230kThe same screen resolution
Selfie screen No selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Neither has Touch friendly screen

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 Physical Comparison

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 has external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax S1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZR3 versus Pentax S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the ZR3 versus the S1.

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 size comparison

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and S1 is 94 and 93 respectively.

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 Sensor Comparison

More often than not, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR3 and S1.

Clearly, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the identical megapixels so you should expect similar quality of photographs however you should factor the production date of the products into consideration. The more aged ZR3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 sensor size comparison

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Panasonic ZR3 Portrait photography details
Pentax S1 Portrait photography details
28
good resolution (14 megapixels)
no manual focus
lack of manual exposure
no external flash support
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
35
manual focus
decent sensor resolution (14MP)
manual exposure not possible
can't use external flash
small sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW support
Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

Street Comparison

Street photography with Panasonic ZR3
Street photography with Pentax S1
57
has image stabilization (Optical)
screen is fixed
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
56
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
no moving screen
small sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW support
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Sports Comparison

Panasonic ZR3 Sports photography advice
Pentax S1 Sports photography advice
37
has image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
offers tracking focus
low maximum shutter speed (1/1,300 seconds)
painfully slow continuous shooting (2.0 frames per second)
lack of shutter priority mode
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect AF
39
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
has tracking autofocus
slow fps (1.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority mode
small sensor size (1/2.3")
no phase detect AF
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Travel Comparison

Panasonic ZR3 Travel photography features
Pentax S1 Travel photography features
65
good resolution (14MP)
flash built-in
fairly wide (25mm)
lack of Time Lapse recording
doesn't feature selfie friendly display
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
64
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
has built in flash
reasonably wide (28mm)
no Time Lapse recording
doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Landscape Comparison

Panasonic ZR3 Landscape photography info
Pentax S1 Landscape photography info
37
fairly wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14MP)
no manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
small screen (2.7 inches)
lack of manual exposure
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
lack of Time Lapse recording
42
manual focus
reasonably wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
decent sensor resolution (14MP)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
tiny screen (2.7")
manual exposure not possible
small sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW support
no Time Lapse recording
Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic ZR3 Vlogging info
Pentax S1 Vlogging info
29
fairly wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
doesn't feature selfie friendly display
low quality video (1280 x 720 pxls)
lack of mic jack
28
reasonably wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
low res video (1280 x 720 pxls)
no external mic port
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax S1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax S1
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3Pentax Optio S1
General Information
Brand Name Panasonic Pentax
Model type Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 Pentax Optio S1
Also Known as Lumix DMC-ZX3 -
Class Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Compact
Revealed 2010-01-26 2011-03-02
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by Venus Engine HD II -
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 14MP 14MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution 4320 x 3240 4288 x 3216
Max native ISO 6400 6400
Min native ISO 80 80
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points 11 9
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 25-200mm (8.0x) 28-140mm (5.0x)
Max aperture f/3.3-5.9 f/3.5-5.5
Macro focusing distance 3cm 1cm
Focal length multiplier 5.9 5.8
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 2.7 inch 2.7 inch
Resolution of screen 230k dot 230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Screen technology - TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 60 seconds 4 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/1300 seconds 1/1500 seconds
Continuous shooting speed 2.0 frames per second 1.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 5.30 m 3.90 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video format AVCHD Lite Motion JPEG
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 159 gr (0.35 lb) 157 gr (0.35 lb)
Dimensions 98 x 55 x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") 114 x 58 x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 260 photographs
Style of battery - Battery Pack
Battery ID - D-LI92
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots One One
Launch cost $280 $174