Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Competitors

As well as being compared against other travel zooms, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is also often compared to mirrorless, pro digicams, super zooms and compacts. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3's top rivals come from Panasonic (such as the Lumix ZS20 and the Lumix DMC-ZS10) and Canon (such as the Powershot S100 and the ELPH 300 HS)

Generally, compared to other travel zoom competitors the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 has slightly less zoom (12x vs 16x), doesn't have a built-in GPS, doesn't have a touch screen, has a CCD-family sensor (CCD vs CMOS) and is older (january, 2009 vs january, 2011).

Panasonic Lumix ZS20 3 years newer $290 - $350	Significant advantages of the ZS20 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much more zoom: 20x vs 12x Has a GPS Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 30fps Significant disadvantages of the ZS20 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much shorter max exposures: 15 seconds vs 60 seconds common strengths of the ZS20 and DMC-ZS3 None found
	Compare the Lumix ZS20 vs the Lumix DMC-ZS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 2 years newer $328	Significant advantages of the DMC-ZS10 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Has a GPS More zoom: 16x vs 12x Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Significant disadvantages of the DMC-ZS10 (vs the DMC-ZS3) None found common strengths of the DMC-ZS10 and DMC-ZS3 Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the DMC-ZS10 vs the DMC-ZS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 1 year newer $298	Significant advantages of the DMC-ZS5 (vs the DMC-ZS3) None found Significant disadvantages of the DMC-ZS5 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Significantly smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0" Much slower max shutter speed: 1/1300 of a second vs 1/2000 of a second common strengths of the DMC-ZS5 and DMC-ZS3 Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the DMC-ZS5 vs the DMC-ZS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 1 year newer $361	Significant advantages of the DMC-ZS7 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Has a GPS Significant disadvantages of the DMC-ZS7 (vs the DMC-ZS3) None found common strengths of the DMC-ZS7 and DMC-ZS3 Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the DMC-ZS7 vs the DMC-ZS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 2 years newer $159 - $271	Significant advantages of the DMC-ZS8 (vs the DMC-ZS3) More zoom: 16x vs 12x Significantly faster max shutter speed: 1/4000 of a second vs 1/2000 of a second Significant disadvantages of the DMC-ZS8 (vs the DMC-ZS3) None found common strengths of the DMC-ZS8 and DMC-ZS3 Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the DMC-ZS8 vs the DMC-ZS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 similar age	Significant advantages of the DMC-ZS1 (vs the DMC-ZS3) None found Significant disadvantages of the DMC-ZS1 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Significantly smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0" Much lower true resolution: 8.6 MP vs 9.8 MP Significantly smaller sensor: 1/2.5" 5.8x4.3mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm common strengths of the DMC-ZS1 and DMC-ZS3 Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the DMC-ZS1 vs the DMC-ZS3

Generally, some of the advantages of the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 compared to mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it has image stabilization (lens vs none), slightly longer exposures (60 seconds vs 30 seconds) and has a built-in flash.

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 60fps), has a slightly lower resolution screen (460k dots vs 920k dots), takes significantly lower resolution photos (9.8 MP vs 16 MP), much lower maximum light sensitivity (1,600 ISO vs 25,600 ISO) and doesn't have a touch screen.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 2 years newer $433 (body only)	Significant advantages of the DMC-GF3 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Shoots RAW Has interchangeable lenses Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GF3 (vs the DMC-ZS3) No image stabilization: None vs Lens common strengths of the DMC-GF3 and DMC-ZS3 Fairly small: Compact 107x67x32 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Light weight: 264 g vs 229 g Thin: 1.3" vs 1.3"
	Compare the DMC-GF3 vs the DMC-ZS3
Sony NEX-5N 2 years newer $598 - $600 (body only) $698 - $700 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-5N (vs the DMC-ZS3) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 30fps Better maximum light sensitivity: 25,600 ISO vs 1,600 ISO Significantly higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 460k dots Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5N (vs the DMC-ZS3) No image stabilization: None vs Lens Significantly shorter max exposures: 30 seconds vs 60 seconds No built-in flash common strengths of the NEX-5N and DMC-ZS3 Fairly small: Compact 111x59x38 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Light weight: 269 g vs 229 g
	Compare the Sony NEX-5N vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Generally, some of the advantages of the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 compared to pro digicam competitors include: it much longer exposures (60 seconds vs 15 seconds).

However, on average it has a much smaller sensor (1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm vs 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm), doesn't shoot RAW, has a much narrower aperture (f/3.3 vs f/2.0), records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 24fps) and doesn't record high-speed movies (none vs 120 fps).

Canon Powershot S100 2 years newer $356 - $430	Significant advantages of the S100 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Shoots RAW Much larger sensor: 1/1.8" 7.5x5.5mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm Much wider aperture: f/2.0 vs f/3.3 Significant disadvantages of the S100 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much shorter max exposures: 15 seconds vs 60 seconds common strengths of the S100 and DMC-ZS3 Fairly small: Compact 99x60x28 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Light weight: 198 g vs 229 g Thin: 1.1" vs 1.3"
	Compare the Canon Powershot S100 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Canon PowerShot G12 1 year newer $390 - $496	Significant advantages of the G12 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much larger sensor: 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm Shoots RAW Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the G12 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Significantly worse wide angle: 28 mm vs 25 mm Smaller screen: 2.8" vs 3.0" No boost ISO: None vs 6,400 ISO common strengths of the G12 and DMC-ZS3 None found
	Compare the Canon PowerShot G12 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Canon PowerShot S95 1 year newer $340 - $389	Significant advantages of the S95 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much larger sensor: 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm Shoots RAW Much wider aperture: f/2.0 vs f/3.3 Significant disadvantages of the S95 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Significantly worse wide angle: 28 mm vs 25 mm Much shorter max exposures: 15 seconds vs 60 seconds common strengths of the S95 and DMC-ZS3 Fairly small: Compact 99x58x29 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Light weight: 193 g vs 229 g Thin: 1.2" vs 1.3"
	Compare the Canon PowerShot S95 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Nikon Coolpix P300 2 years newer $299	Significant advantages of the P300 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much wider aperture: f/1.8 vs f/3.3 Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Significantly higher resolution screen: 921k dots vs 460k dots Significant disadvantages of the P300 (vs the DMC-ZS3) No boost ISO: None vs 6,400 ISO Much shorter max exposures: 8 seconds vs 60 seconds common strengths of the P300 and DMC-ZS3 Fairly small: Compact 103x58x32 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Light weight: 189 g vs 229 g Thin: 1.3" vs 1.3"
	Compare the Nikon Coolpix P300 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 6 months older $555	Significant advantages of the DMC-LX3 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much larger sensor: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm Shoots RAW Much wider aperture: f/2.0 vs f/3.3 Significant disadvantages of the DMC-LX3 (vs the DMC-ZS3) None found common strengths of the DMC-LX3 and DMC-ZS3 Fairly small: Compact 109x60x27 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Thin: 1.1" vs 1.3" Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the DMC-LX3 vs the DMC-ZS3

Generally, some of the advantages of the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 compared to super zoom competitors include: it has a slightly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.7"), is much smaller (compact 103x60x33 mm vs professional size 120x83x102 mm), is thinner (1.3" vs 4"), is much lighter (229 g vs 555 g) and significantly longer exposures (60 seconds vs 30 seconds).

However, on average it has a slightly narrower aperture (f/3.3 vs f/2.8), has way more less zoom (12x vs 35x), records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 24fps), doesn't record high-speed movies (none vs 220 fps) and doesn't record movies in 24p.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 2 years newer $495 - $500	Significant advantages of the DMC-FZ150 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Has an external mic jack Significantly more zoom: 24x vs 12x Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the DMC-FZ150 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much larger: Prosumer size 124x82x92 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Much thicker: 3.6" vs 1.3" Much heavier: 528 g vs 229 g common strengths of the DMC-FZ150 and DMC-ZS3 Long exposures: 30 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the DMC-FZ150 vs the DMC-ZS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 1 year newer $411	Significant advantages of the DMC-FZ40 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Significantly more zoom: 24x vs 12x Wider aperture: f/2.8 vs f/3.3 Shoots RAW Significant disadvantages of the DMC-FZ40 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much larger: Prosumer size 120x79x91 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Much thicker: 3.6" vs 1.3" Much heavier: 499 g vs 229 g common strengths of the DMC-FZ40 and DMC-ZS3 Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the DMC-FZ40 vs the DMC-ZS3
Nikon Coolpix P510 3 years newer $397 - $400	Significant advantages of the P510 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much more zoom: 41.7x vs 12x Has a flip-out screen Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Significant disadvantages of the P510 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much larger: Professional size 120x83x102 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Much thicker: 4" vs 1.3" Much heavier: 555 g vs 229 g common strengths of the P510 and DMC-ZS3 None found
	Compare the Nikon Coolpix P510 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Canon Powershot SX40 2 years newer $347 - $380	Significant advantages of the SX40 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much more zoom: 35x vs 12x Significantly wider aperture: f/2.7 vs f/3.3 Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the SX40 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much larger: Professional size 123x92x108 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Significantly smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0" Much thicker: 4.3" vs 1.3" common strengths of the SX40 and DMC-ZS3 None found
	Compare the Canon Powershot SX40 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS 6 months newer $742	Significant advantages of the SX20 IS (vs the DMC-ZS3) Has a flip-out screen Wider aperture: f/2.8 vs f/3.3 Supports an external flash Significant disadvantages of the SX20 IS (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much smaller screen: 2.5" vs 3.0" Much larger: Prosumer size 128x88x87 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Significantly worse wide angle: 28 mm vs 25 mm common strengths of the SX20 IS and DMC-ZS3 None found
	Compare the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48 2 years newer $370 - $426	Significant advantages of the DMC-FZ48 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Significantly more zoom: 24x vs 12x Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Wider aperture: f/2.8 vs f/3.3 Significant disadvantages of the DMC-FZ48 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much larger: Prosumer size 120x79x91 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Much thicker: 3.6" vs 1.3" Much heavier: 498 g vs 229 g common strengths of the DMC-FZ48 and DMC-ZS3 Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the DMC-FZ48 vs the DMC-ZS3

Generally, some of the advantages of the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 compared to compact competitors include: it has significantly more zoom (12x vs 5x), has a slightly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.7"), has a faster max shutter speed (1/2000 of a second vs 1/1500 of a second) and much longer exposures (60 seconds vs 4 seconds).

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps), is significantly larger (compact 103x60x33 mm vs super compact 92x55x19 mm), doesn't record high-speed movies (none vs 240 fps), slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (1,600 ISO vs 3,200 ISO) and doesn't record movies in 24p.

Canon ELPH 300 HS 2 years newer $148 - $179	Significant advantages of the 300 HS (vs the DMC-ZS3) Much smaller: Super compact 92x55x19 mm vs Compact 103x60x33 mm Significantly wider aperture: f/2.7 vs f/3.3 Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 30fps Significant disadvantages of the 300 HS (vs the DMC-ZS3) Less zoom: 5x vs 12x Significantly smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0" Much shorter max exposures: 15 seconds vs 60 seconds common strengths of the 300 HS and DMC-ZS3 Good wide angle: 24 mm vs 25 mm Good image stabilization: Lens vs Lens Good macro capabilities: 3 cm vs 3 cm
	Compare the Canon ELPH 300 HS vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Nikon Coolpix AW100 2 years newer $280	Significant advantages of the AW100 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Records high-speed movies: 240 fps vs None Has a CMOS-family sensor: CMOS vs CCD Significant disadvantages of the AW100 (vs the DMC-ZS3) Significantly narrower aperture: f/3.9 vs f/3.3 Less zoom: 5x vs 12x Significantly worse wide angle: 28 mm vs 25 mm common strengths of the AW100 and DMC-ZS3 Good image stabilization: Lens vs Lens Good macro capabilities: 1 cm vs 3 cm
	Compare the Nikon Coolpix AW100 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3