Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FP5 Comparison

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Panasonic ZS3

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

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Panasonic FP5

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

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Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FP5 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Compact cameras by Panasonic. Panasonic ZS3 was introduced to market in May 2009 and Panasonic FP5 was launched in January 2011. There is 20 months difference between ZS3 and FP5 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger FP5, especially in sensor tech.

Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Panasonic ZS3 has a 10.0 MP and Panasonic FP5 has a 14.0 MP resolution.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5 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

Panasonic FP5 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-01-05

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 100 - 6400

35-140 mm F3.5-5.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

6 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

141g. 101 x 59 x 18 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5

LCD Screen Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter	1/2000s vs 1/1600s	faster mechanical shutter
Focal Length - Wide	25mm vs 35mm	10 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	300mm vs 140mm	160 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	12× vs 4×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	3.30 vs 3.50	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	4.90 vs 5.90	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	5.3m vs 4.9m	0.4m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area	2.78µm² vs 1.98µm²	40% larger pixel area

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 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
Continuous Shooting	6.0fps vs 2.0fps	4 fps faster
Weight	141 g vs 229 g	88 g lighter

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5

Image Stabilization	Optical vs Optical	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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5

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
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 Panasonic FP5: 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 Panasonic FP5 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). Panasonic FP5 has external dimensions of 101 x 59 x 18 mm (3.98 x 2.32 x 0.71″) and weighs 141 g (0.31 lb / 4.97 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5. Panasonic FP5 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 2mm narrower, 1mm shorter and 15mm thinner than Panasonic ZS3.

Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5.

Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5.

Top View Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic FP5 is significantly lighter (88g ) than the Panasonic ZS3 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS3

FP5

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS3

FP5

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7) nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 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 Panasonic FP5'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 Panasonic FP5: 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, Panasonic FP5 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine IV processor.

Below you can see the ZS3 and FP5 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5 Cameras

Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Panasonic ZS3 has 40% larger pixel area compared to Panasonic FP5, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FP5 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Panasonic FP5 features a 35-140 mm F3.5-5.9 4× zoom lens.

Panasonic ZS3 has 10mm wider coverage than the Panasonic FP5. At f3.30, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic ZS3 has 160mm longer reach than the Panasonic FP5. At f4.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS3

FP5

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

ZS3

FP5

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

ZS3

FP5

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

ZS3

FP5

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FP5 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

Panasonic FP5 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 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 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

Panasonic FP5 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
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic FP5 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
11 Focus Points
Average Continuous Shooting: 6.0fps
140 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
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Panasonic FP5 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
141g
Body Thickness 18mm
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Panasonic FP5 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

Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FP5: 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 Panasonic FP5, 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 Panasonic FP5 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

Panasonic FP5

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #42 out of 155 in Ultracompact cameras
Ranked #889 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Panasonic FP5 is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Panasonic ZS3 in all criteria.
It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5
Brand	Panasonic	Panasonic
Announced	2009-05-14	2011-01-05
Body Type	Compact	Ultracompact
Sensor
Type	CCD	CCD
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm	6.08 x 4.56 mm
Area	27.72mm²	27.72mm²
Megapixels	10 megapixels	14 megapixels
Max Resolution	3648 x 2736	4320 x 3240
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 ISO	100 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	11
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	25-300 mm (12×)	35-140 mm (4×)
Max Aperture	F3.3-4.9	F3.5-5.9
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	1/1600s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.30 m (Auto ISO)	4.90 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	2.0 fps	6.0 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	141g
Dimensions	103 x 60 x 33mm	101 x 59 x 18mm
Battery Life	n/a	260 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction