• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZS3 advantages over Olympus SP-100

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 133 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    219g vs 589g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Olympus SP-100 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZS3

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • More telephoto lens reach
    1,200 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Newer
    11 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.67 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.3 fps vs 1.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    6 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

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
Olympus SP-100
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS7

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
Olympus SP-100
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

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
Olympus SP-100
Panasonic DMC-ZS5
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Fujifilm SL1000

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Fujifilm SL1000
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $650
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
Olympus SP-100
Fujifilm SL1000
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $650
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic FZ70

Panasonic DMC-ZS3
Panasonic FZ70
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $660
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus SP-100
Panasonic FZ70
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $660
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Longer stills battery life
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