CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
  • LENSES
  • TOOLS
    • Smart Find
    • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Size Comparison
  • BRANDS
    • Sony Cameras
    • Canon Cameras
    • Nikon Cameras
    • Pentax Cameras
    • Fujifilm Cameras
    • Olympus Cameras
    • Panasonic Cameras
    • Leica Cameras
    • Samsung Cameras
  • BODY TYPE
    • Mirrorless Cameras
    • DSLR Cameras
    • Compact Cameras
    • Bridge Cameras
    • Waterproof Cameras

Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X90 Comparison

x
Camera to replace
Change

Panasonic ZS3

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

Panasonic ZS3
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Change

Pentax X90

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

Pentax X90
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X90 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing ZS3 and X90, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras from Panasonic and Pentax. Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Panasonic ZS3 has a 10.0 MP and Pentax X90 has a 12.0 MP resolution. Panasonic ZS3 was introduced to market in May 2009 and Pentax X90 was launched in July 2010. There is 14 months difference between ZS3 and X90 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger X90, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90 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 X90 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2010-07-06
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • 26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 2.7" Fixed Type Screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 428g. 111 x 85 x 110 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90 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 X90
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
Weight
229 g vs 428 g 199 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide
25mm vs 26mm 1 mm wider coverage
Max Aperture - Tele
4.90 vs 5.00 faster lens at tele


Reasons to choose Pentax X90 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Viewfinder
Electronic vs None Better framing and control
Max Sensor Resolution
12 MP vs 10 MP 19% more pixels
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Manual Exposure
Yes vs No better exposure control
Focal Length - Tele
676mm vs 300mm 376 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
26× vs 12× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
2.80 vs 3.30 faster lens at wide
Flash Coverage
9.1m vs 5.3m 3.8m longer range

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax X90
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 676mm Very good Telezoom
Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax X90
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
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 fps Slow shooting speeds
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X90: 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 X90 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 X90 has external dimensions of 111 x 85 x 110 mm (4.37 x 3.35 x 4.33″) and weighs 428 g (0.94 lb / 15.10 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90. Panasonic ZS3 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 8mm narrower, 25mm shorter and 77mm thinner than Pentax X90.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X90 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X90 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90.
Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X90 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90 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 (199g ) than the Pentax X90 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Bridge Cameras

ZS3
X90
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Bridge Cameras

ZS3
X90
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7) nor Pentax X90 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 Pentax X90's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X90: 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 X90 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Prime processor.

Below you can see the ZS3 and X90 sensor size comparison.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X90 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90 Cameras


Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90 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 X90 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Pentax X90 features a 26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 26× zoom lens.

Panasonic ZS3 has 1mm wider coverage than the Pentax X90. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Pentax X90 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Pentax X90 has 376mm longer telezoom reach than the Panasonic ZS3. However, with a max aperture of f4.90, Panasonic ZS3 is faster at widest end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS3
X90
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

ZS3
X90
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

ZS3
X90
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

ZS3
X90
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X90 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 X90 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
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 RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Pentax X90 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
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Sports Photography

POOR

Pentax X90 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
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
676 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Pentax X90 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
26.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
428g
Body Thickness 110mm
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Pentax X90 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
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X90: 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 X90, 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 X90 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 X90
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #83 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #684 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Pentax X90 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, Pentax X90 is the better camera overall.

Panasonic ZS3
Panasonic ZS3
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Pentax X90
Pentax X90
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Pentax X90 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Pentax X90
Brand Panasonic Pentax
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 9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-300 mm (12×) 26-676 mm (26×)
Max Aperture F3.3-4.9 F2.8-5.0
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 1/4000s
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) 9.10 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps n/a
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 428g
Dimensions 103 x 60 x 33mm 111 x 85 x 110mm
Battery Life n/a n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
Report a correction Report a correction


FOLLOW US


Most Popular Cameras
Nikon Z7
46 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon Z Mount
Sony A6000
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Sony E Mount
Sony A7 III
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Fujifilm X-T3
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Canon R
30 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Sony A6400
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Sony E Mount
Nikon D5600
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Nikon F Mount
Nikon D850
46 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon F Mount
Top Rated Compact Cameras
Top Compact Cameras Under $200
Top Compact Cameras Under $500
Top Compact Cameras Under $750
Top Compact Cameras Under $1000
Top Rated Bridge Cameras
Top Bridge Cameras Under $200
Top Bridge Cameras Under $500
Top Bridge Cameras Under $750
Top Bridge Cameras Under $1000
Latest Cameras
Fujifilm GFX 100S
102 MP | Medium format Sensor | Fujifilm G Mount
Fujifilm X-E4
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Sony a1
50 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Leica SL2-S
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Leica L Mount
Leica Q2 Monochrom
47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm
Fujifilm X-S10
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Nikon Z7 II
46 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon Z Mount
Nikon Z6 II
25 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon Z Mount
Copyright © 2021 by CameraDecision
About Feedback Privacy Cameras

Report a Correction