Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony RX100 III

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZS3 versus Sony RX100 III, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and RX100 III (20MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") enjoy different sensor size.

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The ZS3 was brought out 6 years prior to the RX100 III which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the ZS3 matches up against the RX100 III when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS3 enjoys external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony RX100 III has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS3 versus Sony RX100 III in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS3 and the RX100 III.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and RX100 III is 91 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading specs. The pic below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS3 and RX100 III.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS3 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony RX100 III will offer greater detail having its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.