• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 182.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-FS20 advantages over Nikon S3500

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.68 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 280 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    2.5 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S3500 advantages over Panasonic DMC-FS20

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    182 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    12 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    26 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    6 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-W170

Panasonic DMC-FS20
Sony DSC-W170
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS20 vs Sony DSC-W170

Nikon S3500
Sony DSC-W170
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Sony DSC-W170

Compared to Fujifilm J150w

Panasonic DMC-FS20
Fujifilm J150w
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer exposure
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS20 vs Fujifilm J150w

Nikon S3500
Fujifilm J150w
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Fujifilm J150w

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FS25S

Panasonic DMC-FS20
Panasonic DMC-FS25S
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $175
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS20 vs Panasonic DMC-FS25S

Nikon S3500
Panasonic DMC-FS25S
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $175
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Panasonic DMC-FS25S

Compared to Sony WX80

Panasonic DMC-FS20
Sony WX80
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS20 vs Sony WX80

Nikon S3500
Sony WX80
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Sony WX80

Compared to Canon 140 IS

Panasonic DMC-FS20
Canon 140 IS
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS20 vs Canon 140 IS

Nikon S3500
Canon 140 IS
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Canon 140 IS

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