Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony NEX-3

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS15 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the ZS15 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS15 was revealed 2 years later than the NEX-3 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the ZS15 matches up vs the NEX-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS15 has exterior dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS15 and the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS15 and NEX-3 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking specs. The visual below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS15 and NEX-3.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS15 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-3 will resolve more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher ZS15 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.