• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 250.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon S100 advantages over Panasonic SZ3

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.1
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.2 fps vs 1.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Panasonic SZ3 advantages over Canon S100

  • More telephoto lens reach
    250 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 250 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Lighter weight
    126g vs 192g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Panasonic SZ3

Review Excerpt

  • Slimmer than past models; 12-megapixel resolution sensor improves on image quality across ISO range; Video includes 1080p, autofocus, and zoom during recording; HDR mode works well.

  • Costs $30 more; Slight buzz when zooming while recording video; Grip isn't as useful as it could be; Slow autofocus.

  • Read our Canon S100 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon S95

Canon S100
Canon S95
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Canon S100 vs Canon S95

Panasonic SZ3
Canon S95
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $428
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic SZ3 vs Canon S95

Compared to Canon A4000 IS

Canon S100
Canon A4000 IS
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon S100 vs Canon A4000 IS

Panasonic SZ3
Canon A4000 IS
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Panasonic SZ3 vs Canon A4000 IS

Compared to Canon S110

Canon S100
Canon S110
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon S100 vs Canon S110

Panasonic SZ3
Canon S110
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic SZ3 vs Canon S110

Compared to Leica C

Canon S100
Leica C
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $699
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Canon S100 vs Leica C

Panasonic SZ3
Leica C
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $699
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic SZ3 vs Leica C

Compared to Canon 150 IS

Canon S100
Canon 150 IS
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon S100 vs Canon 150 IS

Panasonic SZ3
Canon 150 IS
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Longer exposure
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels

Compare Panasonic SZ3 vs Canon 150 IS

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