• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 250.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon J3 advantages over Panasonic SZ3

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.86 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    921k 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
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 1.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic SZ3 advantages over Nikon J3

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    21 mm vs 28 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

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

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
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic SZ3

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J1

Nikon J3
Nikon J1
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic SZ3
Nikon J1
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon A4000 IS

Nikon J3
Canon A4000 IS
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic SZ3
Canon A4000 IS
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J3
Nikon J2
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic SZ3
Nikon J2
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 150 IS

Nikon J3
Canon 150 IS
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic SZ3
Canon 150 IS
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Longer exposure
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon J3
Nikon J4
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic SZ3
Nikon J4
  • $125
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Compare Other Cameras?