Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony H400

Lets take a deeper look at the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony H400, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and H400 (20MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZS3 was launched 5 years earlier than the H400 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony H400 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the ZS3 scores against the H400 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H400. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony H400 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS3 comes with exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony H400 has measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 122mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.8") accompanied by a weight of 628 grams (1.38 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony H400 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS3 vs the H400.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and H400 is 91 and 62 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes only by seeing technical specs. The pic underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS3 and H400.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You should expect to see the Sony H400 to produce extra detail utilizing its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.