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Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20 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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Panasonic TS20

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

Panasonic TS20
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Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Panasonic cameras cameras with different body types: Panasonic ZS3, which was introduced in May 2009 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 10.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Panasonic TS20, which was introduced in January 2012 is a Waterproof camera with a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor. As you can see, ZS3 is 3 years older than TS20. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20 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 TS20 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-01-31
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 25-100 mm F3.9-5.7 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.7" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1 fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 142g. 101 x 58 x 19 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Also known as Lumix DMC-FT20

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20 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-TS20
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution
460k dots vs 230k dots 100% higher resolution screen
Max Mech. Shutter
1/2000s vs 1/1300s faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting
2.0fps vs 1.0fps 1 fps faster
Focal Length - Tele
300mm vs 100mm 200 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
12× vs 4× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
3.30 vs 3.90 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
4.90 vs 5.70 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
5.3m vs 4.4m 0.9m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
2.78µm2 vs 1.74µm2 59% larger pixel area


Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Max Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 10 MP 60% more pixels
Number of Focus Points
23 vs 11 12 more focus points
Weight
142 g vs 229 g 87 g lighter
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20
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-TS20
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 Size
3" vs 2.7" Small display
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
Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20: 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 TS20 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 TS20 has external dimensions of 101 x 58 x 19 mm (3.98 x 2.28 x 0.75″) and weighs 142 g (0.31 lb / 5.01 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20. Panasonic TS20 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 2mm narrower, 2mm shorter and 14mm thinner than Panasonic ZS3.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20.
Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic TS20 is significantly lighter (87g ) than the Panasonic ZS3 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Waterproof Cameras

ZS3
TS20
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Waterproof Cameras

ZS3
TS20
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Panasonic ZS3's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic TS20's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20: 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 TS20 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Panasonic TS20's sensor provides 6MP more than Panasonic ZS3's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely. On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Below you can see the ZS3 and TS20 sensor size comparison.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20 Cameras


Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20 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 59% larger pixel area compared to Panasonic TS20, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Panasonic TS20 features a 25-100 mm F3.9-5.7 4× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 25mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.30, Panasonic ZS3 is faster than Panasonic TS20 at this focal length. On the tele end, Panasonic ZS3 has 200mm longer reach than the Panasonic TS20. At f4.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS3
TS20
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

ZS3
TS20
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

ZS3
TS20
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

ZS3
TS20
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic TS20 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 TS20 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: 16.0MP
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 TS20 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
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
Slow Lens at Wide: f3.90
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic TS20 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
Environmental Sealings
23 Focus Points
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
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1300s
Poor Battery Life: 250 shots
100 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.70
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Panasonic TS20 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
Compact Body
142g
Body Thickness 19mm
Environmental Sealings
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 TS20 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
Environmental Sealings
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic TS20: 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 TS20, 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 TS20 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 TS20
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #249 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #845 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Panasonic TS20 scores higher than the Panasonic ZS3 thanks to its better general imaging quality, compact size and higher value for the money. On the other hand, Panasonic ZS3 has some extra features which may become a game changer if you have some specific requirements.
We recommend you to read our detailed Pro's and Con's section and see if any Pro of Panasonic ZS3 is a must-have for you. If not, choose the Panasonic TS20.

Panasonic ZS3
Panasonic ZS3
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Panasonic TS20
Panasonic TS20
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Panasonic TS20 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20
Brand Panasonic Panasonic
Announced 2009-05-14 2012-01-31
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type CCD CCD
Size 1/2.3-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm 6.08 x 4.56 mm
Area 27.72mm2 27.72mm2
Megapixels 10 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 3648 x 2736 4608 x 3456
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 23
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-300 mm (12×) 25-100 mm (4×)
Max Aperture F3.3-4.9 F3.9-5.7
Macro Focus Range 3cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3" 2.7"
Resolution 460k dots 230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/1300s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 5.30 m (Auto ISO) 4.40 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 MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 229g 142g
Dimensions 103 x 60 x 33mm 101 x 58 x 19mm
Battery Life n/a 250 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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