Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, 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-ZS5 was introduced in June 2010 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 was introduced in May 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2.3 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Highlights

      • 10 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2.3 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      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-ZS5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3.

      PROS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1300 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 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
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   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
      •   No Environmental Sealing


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

      AVERAGE

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 10 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 3648 x 2736
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Lighter 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz) vs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5.

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
      Larger Screen 2.70" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 460k dot
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/1300 sec vs 1/2000 sec

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3.

      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-ZS5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
        Video Capture
        Low Native ISO8080
        High Native ISO6,4006,400
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        Light214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)
        Internal Storage40 MB40 MB
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
        Small Sensor1/2.33-inch1/2.33-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor12.1 Megapixel10 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points1111
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot460k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/1300 sec1/2000 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting2.3 fps2.3 fps
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen

      Screen

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 has a 2.70" screen with 230k dot resolution and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 27.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 features a 10 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

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 is equipped with Venus Engine HD II processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4176 x 2784 4320 x 2432, 3264 x 2448, 3392 x 2264, 3552 x 2000, 2560 x 1920, 2656 x 1768, 2784 x 1568, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3776 x 2520, 3968 x 2232, 3072 x 2304, 3168 x 2112, 3328 x 1872, 2560 x 1920, 2656 x 1768, 2784 x 1568, 2048 x 1536, 2112 x 1408, 2208 x 1248, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 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

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 has a single SD/MMC/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/1300 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5, and up to 1/2000 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 2.3 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.30 m on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and 5.30 m Auto ISO on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3..

      Physical Parameters

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 body has dimensions of 103 x 60 x 32 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.26") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 body has dimensions of 103 x 60 x 33 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.3"). Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 weighs 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 weighs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz).

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      103 mm

      60 mm

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      103 mm

      60 mm

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      60 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      60 mm

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      Size comparisons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 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-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      GOOD
      70
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      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 - 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and give both of them the score of 49 out of 100. 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-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      OVERALL
      49
      OVERALL
      49

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1300 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

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

      Focusing

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      GOOD
      71
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      POOR
      54
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      BAD
      28
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      38
      •   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-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

      POOR
      48
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      POOR
      48
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


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

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