Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3
      50
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      48
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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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3, 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.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 was introduced in January 2012 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 was introduced in January 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 Highlights

      • 14.1 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 23 Focus Points (23 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 Highlights

      • 14.1 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2
      4. Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen
      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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3.

      PROS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 112 g (0.25 lb / 3.95 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 117 g (0.26 lb / 4.13 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   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
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type 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
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   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
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic S2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3
      More Focus Points 23 vs 11
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Single Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Lighter 112 g (0.25 lb / 3.95 oz) vs 117 g (0.26 lb / 4.13 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 280 shots vs 250 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2.

      Panasonic S1
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic S1
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      1/2.33-inch

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic S5 II X
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic S1H
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic S1R
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      47.3 MP

      Panasonic S5 II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic S5
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Nikon Z6 II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Panasonic G9
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      20.33 MP

      Canon R10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      Panasonic S3
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/6.5 vs f/5.6
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3.

      Panasonic S1
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic S1
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      1/2.33-inch

      12.1 MP

      Panasonic S1H
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic S5 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic S1R
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      Full Frame

      47.3 MP

      Panasonic S5
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic S5 II X
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.8 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Nikon Z f
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      Full Frame

      24.4 MP

      Canon R5 C
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      Full Frame

      45.0 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO6,4006,400
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        Light112 g (0.25 lb / 3.95 oz)117 g (0.26 lb / 4.13 oz)
        Internal Storage70 MB70 MB
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3
        Small Sensor1/2.33-inch1/2.33-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor14.1 Megapixel14.1 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/1600 sec1/1600 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting1.5 fps1.5 fps
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201280 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
        Short Battery Life280 shots250 shots

      Screen

      Screen

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 have 2.70" Fixed screens with 230k dot resolution.

      Sensor

      Both models feature a 14.1 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 27.7 mm2. Their native ISO range is 100 - 6,400

      Photography Features

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 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, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 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, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

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


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/1600 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2, and up to 1/1600 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 1.5 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 3.30 m...

      Physical Parameters

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 body has dimensions of 98 x 57 x 21 mm (3.86 x 2.24 x 0.83") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 body has dimensions of 99 x 59 x 21 mm (3.9 x 2.32 x 0.83"). Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 weighs 112 g (0.25 lb / 3.95 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 weighs 117 g (0.26 lb / 4.13 oz).

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      98 mm

      57 mm

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      99 mm

      59 mm

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      57 mm

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      59 mm

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      21 mm

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      21 mm

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      Size comparisons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 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

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

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

      Sports Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      54
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 112 g (0.25 lb / 3.95 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 117 g (0.26 lb / 4.13 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 112 g (0.25 lb / 3.95 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 117 g (0.26 lb / 4.13 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and give them scores of 50 and 48 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.


      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      OVERALL
      50
      OVERALL
      48

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.5 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   23 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      POOR
      47
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      BAD
      36
      •   No 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

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3

      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 112 g (0.25 lb / 3.95 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 280 shots
      •   Internal Storage
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 117 g (0.26 lb / 4.13 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Internal Storage


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

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