Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RS1500

On this page, we are matching up the Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RS1500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and RS1500 (14MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZS3 was revealed 22 months earlier than the RS1500 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the ZS3 scores against the RS1500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax Optio RS1500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS3 offers outside dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax RS1500 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RS1500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the ZS3 against the RS1500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and RS1500 is 91 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes merely by checking a spec sheet. The pic underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS3 and RS1500.

Clearly, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Pentax RS1500 to resolve extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.