• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 33.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-FS3 advantages over Nikon S640

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $250 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.76 vs 1.53 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos

Nikon S640 advantages over Panasonic DMC-FS3

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.33 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • More telephoto lens reach
    140 mm vs 100 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More pixels
    12.0 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    28 mm vs 33 mm
    Capture more of the scene

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

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Buy the Panasonic DMC-FS3

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NV30

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Samsung NV30
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS3 vs Samsung NV30

Nikon S640
Samsung NV30
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S640 vs Samsung NV30

Compared to Sony DSC-S780

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Sony DSC-S780
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Manual focus

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS3 vs Sony DSC-S780

Nikon S640
Sony DSC-S780
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S640 vs Sony DSC-S780

Compared to Canon SD1100 IS

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Canon SD1100 IS
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS3 vs Canon SD1100 IS

Nikon S640
Canon SD1100 IS
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S640 vs Canon SD1100 IS

Compared to Nikon S570

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Nikon S570
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS3 vs Nikon S570

Nikon S640
Nikon S570
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon S640 vs Nikon S570

Compared to Nikon S5100

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Nikon S5100
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic DMC-FS3 vs Nikon S5100

Nikon S640
Nikon S5100
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon S640 vs Nikon S5100

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