Panasonic ZS3 vs Samsung NX500

Here is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS3 versus Samsung NX500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Samsung. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) use different sensor size.

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The ZS3 was brought out 6 years prior to the NX500 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the ZS3 matches up against the NX500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Samsung NX500. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS3 offers external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Samsung NX500 has specifications of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS3 versus Samsung NX500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the ZS3 and the NX500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and NX500 is 91 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing only by researching specifications. The photograph below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS3 and NX500.

To sum up, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS3 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Samsung NX500 will provide you with more detail having its extra 18 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older ZS3 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.