Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon 1 J3 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). Nikon 1 J3 has external dimensions of 101 x 61 x 29 mm (3.98 x 2.4 x 1.14″) and weighs 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Panasonic ZS3 and the Nikon 1 J3. Nikon 1 J3 is 2mm narrower and 4mm thinner than Panasonic ZS3 but it is also 1mm taller. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic ZS3 has a built-in lens but Nikon 1 J3 doesn't. Once you put a lens on 1 J3, its thickness will increase significantly.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon 1 J3.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Nikon 1 J3 is 28g lighter than the Panasonic ZS3 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on 1 J3, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7) nor Nikon 1 J3 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, 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 Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon 1 J3's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.