• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 840.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZS3 advantages over Nikon A900

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    219g vs 289g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon A900 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZS3

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • More telephoto lens reach
    840 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    9 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k 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
    20.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 1.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    7 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • HDMI out
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS3 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Nikon A900
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Lighter weight

Compare Nikon A900 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS7

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS3 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS7

Nikon A900
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Lighter weight

Compare Nikon A900 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS7

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS5

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Panasonic DMC-ZS5
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS3 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS5

Nikon A900
Panasonic DMC-ZS5
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon A900 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS5

Compared to Panasonic ZS60

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Panasonic ZS60
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS3 vs Panasonic ZS60

Nikon A900
Panasonic ZS60
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • NFC
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Nikon A900 vs Panasonic ZS60

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Canon SX730 HS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS3 vs Canon SX730 HS

Nikon A900
Canon SX730 HS
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher-res screen

Compare Nikon A900 vs Canon SX730 HS

Compare Other Cameras?