• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D3S advantages over Panasonic ZS80

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.46 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 4200 vs 380 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.70x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS80 advantages over Nikon D3S

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    5 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    327g vs 1410g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.1 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Nikon D3S
Nikon D3X
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X

Panasonic ZS80
Nikon D3X
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Nikon D3X

Compared to Canon 1DX

Nikon D3S
Canon 1DX
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon D3S vs Canon 1DX

Panasonic ZS80
Canon 1DX
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Canon 1DX

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D3S
Nikon D4
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon D3S vs Nikon D4

Panasonic ZS80
Nikon D4
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Nikon D4

Compared to Panasonic ZS70

Nikon D3S
Panasonic ZS70
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3S vs Panasonic ZS70

Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic ZS70
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Panasonic ZS70

Compared to Canon SX740 HS

Nikon D3S
Canon SX740 HS
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $442
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D3S vs Canon SX740 HS

Panasonic ZS80
Canon SX740 HS
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $442
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Canon SX740 HS

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