Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony A300

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony A300, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS3 (10MP) and the A300 (10MP) is pretty similar but the ZS3 (1/2.3") and A300 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The ZS3 was launched 16 months later than the A300 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a brief summation of how the ZS3 grades against the A300 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Sony A300 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS3 has outside measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony A300 has dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony A300 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the ZS3 vs the A300.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and A300 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading specifications. The visual below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS3 and A300.

Plainly, both of those cameras come with the identical resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The ZS3 contains the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging. The younger ZS3 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.