• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 115.3mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic DMC-F3 advantages over Nikon S2

  • Less expensive
    $130 vs $450 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 29 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    132g vs 190g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon S2 advantages over Panasonic DMC-F3

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.85 vs 1.53 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 270 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • 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
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 1.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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 Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S2

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-W230

Panasonic DMC-F3
Sony DSC-W230
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon S2
Sony DSC-W230
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon SD1300 IS

Panasonic DMC-F3
Canon SD1300 IS
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Faster shutter
Nikon S2
Canon SD1300 IS
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony DSC-W510

Panasonic DMC-F3
Sony DSC-W510
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure
  • $82
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Nikon S2
Sony DSC-W510
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $82
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Pentax Q7

Panasonic DMC-F3
Pentax Q7
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon S2
Pentax Q7
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Panasonic DMC-F3
Pentax Q-S1
  • $96
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon S2
Pentax Q-S1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Compare Other Cameras?