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Panasonic ZS3 vs Canon SD3500 IS Comparison

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Panasonic ZS3

10 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

Panasonic ZS3
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Canon SD3500 IS

14 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

Canon SD3500 IS
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Panasonic ZS3 vs Canon SD3500 IS Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Compact cameras from Panasonic and Canon. Panasonic ZS3 was introduced to market in May 2009 and Canon SD3500 IS was launched in February 2010. There is only 9 months difference between ZS3 and SD3500 IS so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Panasonic ZS3 has a 10.0 MP and Canon SD3500 IS has a 14.0 MP resolution.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Panasonic ZS3 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-05-14
  • 10MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 2 fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 229g. 103 x 60 x 33 mm
  • Also known as Lumix DMC-TZ7

Canon SD3500 IS Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2010-02-08
  • 14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • 24-120 mm F2.8-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.5" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1 fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 160g. 99 x 56 x 22 mm
  • Also known as IXUS 210 / IXY 10S

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 over Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS
Max ISO
6.400 vs 1.600 300% higher Max ISO
Continuous Shooting
2.0fps vs 1.0fps 1 fps faster
Focal Length - Tele
300mm vs 120mm 180 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
12× vs 5� more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Tele
4.90 vs 5.90 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
5.3m vs 3.5m 1.8m longer range


Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Max Sensor Resolution
14 MP vs 10 MP 39% more pixels
LCD Screen Size
3.5" vs 3" 0.5 inches larger display
Max Mech. Shutter
1/3000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Weight
160 g vs 229 g 69 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide
24mm vs 25mm 1 mm wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
2.80 vs 3.30 faster lens at wide

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 3.5" Large display
Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder
None vs None No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
LCD Screen Resolution
460k dots vs 460k dots Low resolution screens
Continuous Shooting
2.0fps vs 1.0fps Slow shooting speeds
Manual Focusing
No vs No No manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Panasonic ZS3 vs Canon SD3500 IS: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic ZS3 has external dimensions of 103 x 60 x 33 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.3″) and weighs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz) (including batteries). Canon SD3500 IS has external dimensions of 99 x 56 x 22 mm (3.9 x 2.2 x 0.87″) and weighs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS. Canon SD3500 IS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 4mm narrower, 4mm shorter and 11mm thinner than Panasonic ZS3.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Canon SD3500 IS Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Canon SD3500 IS Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Canon SD3500 IS is significantly lighter (69g ) than the Panasonic ZS3 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS3
SD3500 IS
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS3
SD3500 IS
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7) nor Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS / IXUS 210 / IXY 10S provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Canon SD3500 IS's 3.5" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic ZS3's 3" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Panasonic ZS3 vs Canon SD3500 IS: Sensor Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 has a 10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Canon SD3500 IS has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor.

Below you can see the ZS3 and SD3500 IS sensor size comparison.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Canon SD3500 IS Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS Cameras


Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS have almost the same sensor size so none of them has any significant advantage over other in providing control over depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Canon SD3500 IS Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Canon SD3500 IS features a 24-120 mm F2.8-5.9 5� zoom lens.

Canon SD3500 IS has 1mm wider coverage than the Panasonic ZS3. At f2.80, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic ZS3 has 180mm longer reach than the Canon SD3500 IS. At f4.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS3
SD3500 IS
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

ZS3
SD3500 IS
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

ZS3
SD3500 IS
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

ZS3
SD3500 IS
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Panasonic ZS3 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Canon SD3500 IS for Portrait Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Canon SD3500 IS for Street Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon SD3500 IS for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
11 Focus Points
300 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Average Max shutter speed: 1/3000s
120 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Canon SD3500 IS for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
Compact Body
229g
12.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Compact Body
160g
Body Thickness 22mm
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon SD3500 IS for Landscape Photography

POOR
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 vs Canon SD3500 IS: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Panasonic ZS3 and Canon SD3500 IS scores compare:

Panasonic ZS3
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #342 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #996 out of 1223 in all Cameras
Canon SD3500 IS
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #291 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #920 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Canon SD3500 IS has a higher Overall Score but this doesn't make it an easy decision. Canon SD3500 IS may have better image quality, more features and smaller body compared to but Panasonic ZS3 offers higher value for the money.
If you are a price conscious buyer and don't need the extra features, image quality and compactness that Canon SD3500 IS offers, Panasonic ZS3 is the better choice for you. In all other cases, we recommend the Canon SD3500 IS!

Panasonic ZS3
Panasonic ZS3
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Canon SD3500 IS
Canon SD3500 IS
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Canon SD3500 IS vs Panasonic ZS3 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS
Brand Panasonic Canon
Announced 2009-05-14 2010-02-08
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type CCD CCD
Size 1/2.3-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 27.72mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 10 megapixels 14 megapixels
Max Resolution 3648 x 2736 4320 x 3240
Max Native Light sensitivity 6,400 ISO 1,600 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 11 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-300 mm (12×) 24-120 mm (5�)
Max Aperture F3.3-4.9 F2.8-5.9
Macro Focus Range 3cm 3cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3" 3.5"
Resolution 460k dots 460k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/3000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 5.30 m (Auto ISO) 3.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps 1.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720 1280 x 720
Video Formats AVCHD Lite H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 229g 160g
Dimensions 103 x 60 x 33mm 99 x 56 x 22mm
Battery Life n/a n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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