Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony A6400

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony A6400, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and A6400 (24MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and A6400 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS3 was released 10 years prior to the A6400 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A6400 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the ZS3 matches up against the A6400 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Alpha a6400. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony A6400 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS3 provides exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony A6400 has sizing of 120mm x 67mm x 50mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.0") along with a weight of 403 grams (0.89 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony A6400 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS3 and the A6400.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and A6400 is 91 and 83 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The visual underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS3 and A6400.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS3 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Sony A6400 will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older ZS3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.