Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony QX100

In this article, we will be matching up the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony QX100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Lens-style by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and QX100 (20MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and QX100 (1") feature totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZS3 was introduced 5 years before the QX100 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the ZS3 matches up versus the QX100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Sony QX100 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. 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) and the Sony QX100 has sizing of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") with a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony QX100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS3 vs the QX100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS3 and QX100 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to see the difference in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic below will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS3 and QX100.

Clearly, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS3 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony QX100 will show more detail using its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older ZS3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.