• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZS7 advantages over Panasonic GF3

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds

Panasonic GF3 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZS7

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.33 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Fast startup
    ~1.90 vs 2.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Less shutter lag
    0.31 vs 0.51 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.5 fps vs 1.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    20 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • 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

  • Small, solid, light body; Good image quality; 14mm kit lens is of good quality and very small; Very fast autofocus; Excellent selection of lenses; Very fun to shoot with.

  • Small controls; Touchscreen interface might not be for everyone; Weak flash; Does not work with most accessories from previous models; JPEG image quality falls short of third-generation competition.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS3

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Panasonic DMC-ZS3
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
Panasonic GF3
Panasonic DMC-ZS3
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon SX200 IS

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Canon SX200 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $267
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Panasonic GF3
Canon SX200 IS
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $267
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS5

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Panasonic DMC-ZS5
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Panasonic GF3
Panasonic DMC-ZS5
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic GF2

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Panasonic GF2
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic GF3
Panasonic GF2
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Panasonic GF3X
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic GF3
Panasonic GF3X
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • More telephoto lens reach
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