Panasonic ZS3 vs Nikon S4100 Comparison

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Panasonic ZS3

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

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Nikon S4100

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

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Panasonic ZS3 vs Nikon S4100 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Compact cameras from Panasonic and Nikon. Panasonic ZS3 was introduced to market in May 2009 and Nikon S4100 was launched in February 2011. There is 21 months difference between ZS3 and S4100 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger S4100, especially in sensor tech.

Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Panasonic ZS3 has a 10.0 MP and Nikon S4100 has a 14.0 MP resolution.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100 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

Nikon S4100 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-02-09

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 3200

26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

1 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

g. 95 x 57 x 20 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 over Nikon Coolpix S4100

Max ISO	6.400 vs 3.200	100% higher Max ISO
Number of Focus Points	11 vs 9	2 more focus points
LCD Screen Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting	2.0fps vs 1.0fps	1 fps faster
Focal Length - Wide	25mm vs 26mm	1 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	300mm vs 130mm	170 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	12× vs 5×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Tele	4.90 vs 6.50	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	5.3m vs 4.5m	0.8m longer range

Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix S4100 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Touch Screen	Yes vs No	Easy control of camera functions
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Max Sensor Resolution	14 MP vs 10 MP	39% more pixels
Weight	g vs 229 g	229 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide	3.20 vs 3.30	faster lens at wide

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Nikon Coolpix S4100

Image Stabilization	Optical vs Sensor-shift	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light

Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Nikon Coolpix S4100

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 230k 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

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Panasonic ZS3 vs Nikon S4100: 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 Nikon S4100 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 S4100 has external dimensions of 95 x 57 x 20 mm (3.74 x 2.24 x 0.79″) and weighs (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100. Nikon S4100 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 8mm narrower, 3mm shorter and 13mm thinner than Panasonic ZS3.

Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100.

Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100.

Top View Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon S4100 is 229g lighter than the Panasonic ZS3 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS3

S4100

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS3

S4100

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7) nor Nikon Coolpix S4100 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

Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Nikon S4100: 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, Nikon S4100 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Expeed C2 processor.

Below you can see the ZS3 and S4100 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100 Cameras

Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100 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 Nikon S4100 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Nikon S4100 features a 26-130 mm F3.2-6.5 5× zoom lens.

Panasonic ZS3 has 1mm wider coverage than the Nikon S4100. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.20, Nikon S4100 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic ZS3 has 170mm longer reach than the Nikon S4100. At f4.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS3

S4100

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

ZS3

S4100

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

ZS3

S4100

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

ZS3

S4100

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS3 and Nikon S4100 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

Nikon S4100 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

Nikon S4100 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
Face-Detection Focusing
26 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

Nikon S4100 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: 1/2000s
130 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
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 190 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Nikon S4100 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
Body Thickness 20mm
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

Nikon S4100 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

26 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 Nikon S4100: 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 Nikon S4100, 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 Nikon S4100 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

Nikon S4100

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #47 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #908 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Nikon S4100 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Panasonic ZS3 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Panasonic ZS3. Otherwise, Nikon S4100 is the better camera overall.

Nikon S4100 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3	Nikon Coolpix S4100
Brand	Panasonic	Nikon
Announced	2009-05-14	2011-02-09
Body Type	Compact	Ultracompact
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	3,200 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	9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	25-300 mm (12×)	26-130 mm (5×)
Max Aperture	F3.3-4.9	F3.2-6.5
Macro Focus Range	3cm	10cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	460k dots	230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.30 m (Auto ISO)	4.50 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	Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	229g	n/a
Dimensions	103 x 60 x 33mm	95 x 57 x 20mm
Battery Life	n/a	190 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction