• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 130.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S3100 advantages over Panasonic ZS20

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    18 mm vs 28 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    118g vs 207g
    Lighter weight

Panasonic ZS20 advantages over Nikon S3100

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • More telephoto lens reach
    480 mm vs 130 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k 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
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Very long zoom lens; Full HD video; Great grip; Built-in GPS; HDR and Handheld Night Shot modes.

  • Poor image quality due to excessive noise suppression; Flash too close to the grip; No GPS logging; Battery only charges in the camera; Limited touchscreen.

The Competition

Compared to Pentax RS1000

Nikon S3100
Pentax RS1000
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
Panasonic ZS20
Pentax RS1000
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic ZS10

Nikon S3100
Panasonic ZS10
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS10
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Faster shutter

Compared to Nikon S4100

Nikon S3100
Nikon S4100
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
Panasonic ZS20
Nikon S4100
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony W620

Nikon S3100
Sony W620
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $143
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Panasonic ZS20
Sony W620
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $143
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Nikon S3100
Panasonic ZS19
  • $140
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS19
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
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