• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.1 megapixels
  • 33.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 125.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-FS3 advantages over Samsung ST72

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.76 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Samsung ST72 advantages over Panasonic DMC-FS3

  • Less expensive
    $120 vs $200 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • More telephoto lens reach
    125 mm vs 100 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    12 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 8.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 33 mm
    Capture more of the scene

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NV30

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Samsung NV30
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
Samsung ST72
Samsung NV30
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony DSC-S780

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Sony DSC-S780
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Manual focus
Samsung ST72
Sony DSC-S780
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $180
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus

Compared to Canon SD1100 IS

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Canon SD1100 IS
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Samsung ST72
Canon SD1100 IS
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $250
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Samsung ST66

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Samsung ST66
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Samsung ST72
Samsung ST66
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Sony WX50

Panasonic DMC-FS3
Sony WX50
  • $200
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
Samsung ST72
Sony WX50
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Manual focus
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