Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ35 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 FZ35

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

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Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ35 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing ZS3 and FZ35, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by Panasonic. Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Panasonic ZS3 has a 10.0 MP and Panasonic FZ35 has a 12.0 MP resolution. Panasonic ZS3 was introduced to market in May 2009 and Panasonic FZ35 was launched in July 2010. There is 14 months difference between ZS3 and FZ35 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger FZ35, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35 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 FZ35 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2010-07-06

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 6400

27-486 mm F2.8-4.4 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

2.7" Fixed Type Screen

Electronic viewfinder

2 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

397g. 118 x 76 x 89 mm

Also known as Lumix DMC-FZ38

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35 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-FZ35

LCD Screen Size	3" vs 2.7"	0.3 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Weight	229 g vs 397 g	168 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide	25mm vs 27mm	2 mm wider coverage

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Viewfinder	Electronic vs None	Better framing and control
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Max Sensor Resolution	12 MP vs 10 MP	19% more pixels
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Tele	486mm vs 300mm	186 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	18× vs 12×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	2.80 vs 3.30	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	4.40 vs 4.90	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	8.5m vs 5.3m	3.2m longer range

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

Image Stabilization	Optical vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Focal Length - Tele	300mm vs 486mm	Very good Telezoom

Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography
LCD Screen Size	3" vs 2.7"	Small display
LCD Screen Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	Low resolution screens
Continuous Shooting	2.0fps vs 2.0fps	Slow shooting speeds
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
AE Bracketing	No vs No	Not good for multi-exposure HDR

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Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ35: 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 FZ35 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 FZ35 has external dimensions of 118 x 76 x 89 mm (4.65 x 2.99 x 3.5″) and weighs 397 g (0.88 lb / 14.00 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35. Panasonic ZS3 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 15mm narrower, 16mm shorter and 56mm thinner than Panasonic FZ35.

Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35.

Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35.

Top View Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic ZS3 is significantly lighter (168g ) than the Panasonic FZ35 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Bridge Cameras

ZS3

FZ35

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Bridge Cameras

ZS3

FZ35

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7) nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 (Lumix DMC-FZ38) 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
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Panasonic ZS3's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic FZ35's 2.7" screen.

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

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ35: 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 FZ35 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine V processor.

Below you can see the ZS3 and FZ35 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35 Cameras

Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ35 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Panasonic FZ35 features a 27-486 mm F2.8-4.4 18× zoom lens.

Panasonic ZS3 has 2mm wider coverage than the Panasonic FZ35. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Panasonic FZ35 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic FZ35 has 186mm longer reach than the Panasonic ZS3. At f4.40, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS3

FZ35

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

ZS3

FZ35

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

ZS3

FZ35

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

ZS3

FZ35

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ35 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 FZ35 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

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
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No External Flash Shoe
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic FZ35 for Street Photography

GOOD

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
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
27 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic FZ35 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

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
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
486 mm Tele Lens
Fast Lens at Tele: f4.40
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No External Flash Shoe
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Panasonic FZ35 for Daily Photography

GOOD

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

RAW shooting capability
18.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
397g
Body Thickness 89mm
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Panasonic FZ35 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

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
27 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ35: 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 FZ35, 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 FZ35 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 FZ35

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #47 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #533 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Panasonic FZ35 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, Panasonic FZ35 is the better camera overall.

Panasonic FZ35 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
Brand	Panasonic	Panasonic
Announced	2009-05-14	2010-07-06
Body Type	Compact	SLR-like (bridge)
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	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	3648 x 2736	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	6,400 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×)	27-486 mm (18×)
Max Aperture	F3.3-4.9	F2.8-4.4
Macro Focus Range	3cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	2.7"
Resolution	460k dots	230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	Electronic
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.30 m (Auto ISO)	8.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	2.0 fps	2.0 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	AVCHD Lite, Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	229g	397g
Dimensions	103 x 60 x 33mm	118 x 76 x 89mm
Battery Life	n/a	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction