• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 450.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZS3 advantages over Nikon S9100

  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S9100 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZS3

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Fast startup
    ~1.50 vs 2.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More telephoto lens reach
    450 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More dots on screen
    921k 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
  • Less shutter lag
    0.22 vs 0.67 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.5 fps vs 1.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    5 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

  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • 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

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Buy the Panasonic DMC-ZS3

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Buy the Nikon S9100

Review Excerpt

  • Backside-illuminated sensor for good low-light performance; Very long zoom; Good printed performance; Very fast autofocus.

  • Autofocus is not always reliable; Auto white balance renders skin tones a little red; Slow digital zoom.

  • Read our Nikon S9100 Express Review

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 S9100
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon S9100 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 S9100
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon S9100 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 S9100
Panasonic DMC-ZS5
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS5

Compared to Pentax RZ18

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Pentax RZ18
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS3 vs Pentax RZ18

Nikon S9100
Pentax RZ18
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon S9100 vs Pentax RZ18

Compared to Canon SX280 HS

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Canon SX280 HS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS3 vs Canon SX280 HS

Nikon S9100
Canon SX280 HS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon S9100 vs Canon SX280 HS

Compare Other Cameras?