• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 110.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-S3 advantages over Pentax RS1500

  • Less expensive
    $130 vs $150 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Longer exposure
    8 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Pentax RS1500 advantages over Panasonic DMC-S3

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • 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 Pentax RS1000

Panasonic DMC-S3
Pentax RS1000
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Pentax RS1500
Pentax RS1000
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Panasonic DMC-S1

Panasonic DMC-S3
Panasonic DMC-S1
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • $120
  • 1/2.33 inch
Pentax RS1500
Panasonic DMC-S1
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $120
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compared to Fujifilm JV200

Panasonic DMC-S3
Fujifilm JV200
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $110
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Pentax RS1500
Fujifilm JV200
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Wider angle lens
  • $110
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Nikon S4100

Panasonic DMC-S3
Nikon S4100
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen
Pentax RS1500
Nikon S4100
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FH7

Panasonic DMC-S3
Panasonic DMC-FH7
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Longer exposure
Pentax RS1500
Panasonic DMC-FH7
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Shoots 24p video
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