Panasonic ZS3 vs Sigma SD15

Following is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS3 versus Sigma SD15, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sigma. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and SD15 (5MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and SD15 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The ZS3 was released 9 months earlier than the SD15 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sigma SD15 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the ZS3 grades versus the SD15 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Sigma SD15. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Sigma SD15 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you should factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS3 enjoys exterior measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sigma SD15 has specifications of 144mm x 107mm x 81mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.2") with a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS3 versus Sigma SD15 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS3 vs the SD15.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and SD15 is 91 and 59 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes just by seeing specs. The image underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS3 and SD15.

As you can plainly see, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Panasonic ZS3 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 5MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.