• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-S3 advantages over Sony WX500

  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    20 mm vs 35 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    117g vs 236g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sony WX500 advantages over Panasonic DMC-S3

  • 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
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 112 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 390 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    18.2 vs 14.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-S1

Panasonic DMC-S3
Panasonic DMC-S1
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • $120
  • 1/2.33 inch
Sony WX500
Panasonic DMC-S1
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $120
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • 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
Sony WX500
Fujifilm JV200
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $110
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Pentax RS1500

Panasonic DMC-S3
Pentax RS1500
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
Sony WX500
Pentax RS1500
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Sony HX90V

Panasonic DMC-S3
Sony HX90V
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Sony WX500
Sony HX90V
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony HX80

Panasonic DMC-S3
Sony HX80
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Thinner
  • $934
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
Sony WX500
Sony HX80
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $934
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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