Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony RX10 III

Below, we are matching up the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony RX10 III, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and RX10 III (20MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and RX10 III (1") come with totally different sensor size.

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The ZS3 was released 7 years before the RX10 III which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 III being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summation of how the ZS3 scores versus the RX10 III with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony RX10 III Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS3 enjoys outer measurements 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 RX10 III has dimensions of 133mm x 94mm x 127mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.0") along with a weight of 1051 grams (2.32 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony RX10 III in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS3 versus the RX10 III.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS3 and RX10 III is 91 and 53 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions purely by seeing technical specs. The picture below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS3 and RX10 III.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS3 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony RX10 III will provide extra detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.