Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony HX350

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony HX350, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and HX350 (20MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The ZS3 was introduced 8 years before the HX350 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX350 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ZS3 grades against the HX350 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony HX350 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS3 has external measurements 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 Sony HX350 has specifications of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") and a weight of 652 grams (1.44 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony HX350 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS3 against the HX350.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and HX350 is 91 and 62 respectively.

Often, it's hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through specs. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS3 and HX350.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Sony HX350 to provide greater detail using its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older ZS3 will be behind in sensor tech.