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Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ10 Comparison

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Camera to replace
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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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Pentax RZ10

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

Pentax RZ10
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Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ10 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Compact cameras from Panasonic and Pentax. Panasonic ZS3 was introduced to market in May 2009 and Pentax RZ10 was launched in July 2011. As you can see, ZS3 is 2 years older than RZ10. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Panasonic ZS3 has a 10.0 MP and Pentax RZ10 has a 14.0 MP resolution.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10 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

Pentax RZ10 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-07-19
  • 14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • 28-280 mm F3.2-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 2.7" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1 fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 178g. 97 x 61 x 33 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 over Pentax Optio RZ10
Number of Focus Points
11 vs 9 2 more focus points
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
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 28mm 3 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
300mm vs 280mm 20 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
12× vs 10× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Tele
4.90 vs 5.90 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
5.3m vs 2.8m 2.5m longer range


Reasons to choose Pentax Optio RZ10 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Max Sensor Resolution
14 MP vs 10 MP 39% more pixels
Weight
178 g vs 229 g 51 g lighter
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Max Aperture - Wide
3.20 vs 3.30 faster lens at wide

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax Optio RZ10
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
Focal Length - Tele
300mm vs 280mm Very good Telezoom
Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax Optio RZ10
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 Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ10: 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 Pentax RZ10 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). Pentax RZ10 has external dimensions of 97 x 61 x 33 mm (3.82 x 2.4 x 1.3″) and weighs 178 g (0.39 lb / 6.28 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ10 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ10 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10.
Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ10 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Pentax RZ10 is significantly lighter (51g ) than the Panasonic ZS3 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS3
RZ10
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS3
RZ10
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Thanks to the weather sealed body of RZ10, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to ZS3.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Panasonic ZS3's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Pentax RZ10's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ10: 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, Pentax RZ10 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Below you can see the ZS3 and RZ10 sensor size comparison.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ10 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10 Cameras


Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10 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 Pentax RZ10 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Pentax RZ10 features a 28-280 mm F3.2-5.9 10× zoom lens.

Panasonic ZS3 has 3mm wider coverage than the Pentax RZ10. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.20, Pentax RZ10 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic ZS3 has 20mm longer reach than the Pentax RZ10. At f4.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS3
RZ10
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

ZS3
RZ10
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

ZS3
RZ10
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

ZS3
RZ10
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax RZ10 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

Pentax RZ10 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
Manual Focus Mode
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 Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Pentax RZ10 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
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Sports Photography

POOR

Pentax RZ10 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
Manual Focus Mode
Environmental Sealings
280 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 178 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Pentax RZ10 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
178g
Environmental Sealings
10.0X 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

Pentax RZ10 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
Environmental Sealings
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax RZ10: 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 Pentax RZ10, 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 Pentax RZ10 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
Pentax RZ10
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #295 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #923 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Pentax RZ10 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 ZS3
Panasonic ZS3
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Pentax RZ10
Pentax RZ10
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Pentax RZ10 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Pentax Optio RZ10
Brand Panasonic Pentax
Announced 2009-05-14 2011-07-19
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 14 megapixels
Max Resolution 3648 x 2736 4288 x 3216
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 9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-300 mm (12×) 28-280 mm (10×)
Max Aperture F3.3-4.9 F3.2-5.9
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 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) 2.80 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 Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 229g 178g
Dimensions 103 x 60 x 33mm 97 x 61 x 33mm
Battery Life n/a 178 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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