Nikon D3S vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2
      68
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      50
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D3S and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D3S was introduced in February 2010 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 was introduced in January 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D3S Highlights

      • 12.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 Highlights

      • 14 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 4.6 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D3S
      4. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D3S and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2.

      PROS

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 151 g (0.33 lb / 5.33 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.6 fps

      Advantage of Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3S
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3S over Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2.

      Nikon D3S vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs 1/2.33-inch
      RAW Support vs
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 51 vs 9
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.70"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/1600 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps vs 4.6 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      HDMI Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3S.

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D1
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      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      Panasonic FP2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 over Nikon D3S.

      Nikon D3S vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 14 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 80
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 vs 4320 x 3240
      Image Stabilization vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
      Built-in Flash vs
      Lighter 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz) vs 151 g (0.33 lb / 5.33 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 40 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2.

      Panasonic FP5
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      1/2.33-inch

      14.1 MP

      Panasonic FP7
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      1/2.33-inch

      16.1 MP

      Panasonic FP3
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      1/2.33-inch

      14.1 MP

      Panasonic FP8
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      1/2.33-inch

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic FP1
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      1/2.33-inch

      12.1 MP

      Samsung ST100
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.2 MP

      Nikon D300
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Fujifilm X-E2S
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Canon S110
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon R5 C
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      Full Frame

      45.0 MP

      Sigma DP2
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      APS-C

      5 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D3S Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2
        Video Capture
        Live View Autofocus
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D3S Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2
        Low Resolution Sensor12.1 Megapixel14 Megapixel
        No Face Detection
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi optional
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D3S has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 has a 2.70" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon D3S

      Nikon D3S has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2.

      Sensor

      Nikon D3S features a 12.1 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 102,400 in boosted mode. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 features a 14 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 20.8 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Nikon D3S is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4256 x 2832 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3552 x 2832, 3552 x 2368, 3184 x 2128, 2784 x 1848, 2656 x 1776, 2128 x 1416, 2080 x 1384, 1776 x 1416, 1776 x 1184, 1392 x 920 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 is equipped with Venus Engine IV processor and can take pictures up to 4320 x 3240 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4320 x 2880, 4320 x 2432, 3648 x 2736,2560 x 1920,2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1536, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.

      Image Stabilization on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 has an image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D3S comes with EN-EL4a battery pack with battery life of 4200 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D3S has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) card slots. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D3S has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D3S, and up to 1/1600 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. Nikon D3S can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 can shoot continuously up to 4.6 fps.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D3S ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D3S and ±2 range on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. You can also do exposure lock and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D3S and exposure bracketing on Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2.


      Flash

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 4.90 m. Nikon D3S has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D3S.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D3S body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 body has dimensions of 99 x 59 x 19 mm (3.9 x 2.32 x 0.75"). Nikon D3S weighs 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 weighs 151 g (0.33 lb / 5.33 oz).

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      160 mm

      157 mm

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      99 mm

      59 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D3S and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      Nikon D3S and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      83
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      73
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.6 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      73
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.6 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 151 g (0.33 lb / 5.33 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      70
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 151 g (0.33 lb / 5.33 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D3S and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and give them scores of 68 and 50 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      OVERALL
      68
      OVERALL
      50

      Sensor

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      71
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      70
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.6 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      78
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      44
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D3S

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2

      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1240 g (2.73 lb / 43.74 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 4200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      49
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 151 g (0.33 lb / 5.33 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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