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Panasonic ZS3 vs. Canon SX200 IS: Compact Super-Zoom Comparison
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS are two of the hottest compact cameras right now filling a niche that is best described as compact super-zooms (though we prefer “travel zoom”). These pint-sized performers pack powerful 12x zoom lenses in tiny form factors, in addition to featuring all of the most popular features found in todays higher-end compacts. These include large 3 inch LCDs, copious amounts of scene modes, and even high definition video.
Picking a winner isn’t going to be easy, because both camera are simply very good. In the ZS3, Panasonic offers one of the most robust intelligent auto (”iA”) modes found in a compact camera today. Not only does Panasonic’s iA adjust exposure based on ambient light (even in video), and select the proper scene selector, but iA is so smart that it allows users to “tag” faces. If iA sees a face previously registered, it will display the name of that person. And say, for example, that person happens to be a 2 year old, iA is smart enough to switch to the ZS3’s baby scene mode. All of this in addition to shooting 720p video with 17 scene modes, having a 12x zoom that’s 25mm on the wide end, and a large, high resolution (460K) 3 inch LCD display. The early reviews have pointed to all around excellent performance, including image quality that may just “outshine” the competition. Of course there has to be a catch, and with the Panasonic ZS3 the catch comes down to just 2 factors. There’s no manual mode on the ZS3 and at $400, the ZS3 isn’t exactly cheap.
Fifty dollars cheaper and equipped with a photographer-centric manual mode, Canon’s SX200 IS checks in with a 12 megapixel sensor and also features a 12x zoom lens, though not quite as wide as the ZS3’s (begining at 28mm instead of 25mm). Canon claims 4 stops of image stabilization and the Sx200 IS also implements Canon’s own Smart Auto mode for photographers who want to step away from manual. Clever technology includes “i-Contrast”, which brightens overexposed portions of a photograph while protecting highlights, blink detection, and “FaceSelf-Time, which knows to wait in group shots till the photographer enters the frame. Like the ZS3, feedback on the SX200 IS so far has been very favorable, with some focus placed on great image quality and impressive performance from the 12x zoom lens.
To help you decide which camera might be better for you, we’ve compiled all the relevant specifications below. Like we said, picking a winner isn’t going to be easy, both offer great IQ, and while the ZS3 puts intelligent auto on steroids, it does come with a hefty price. For control freaks, the more affordable SX200 IS is clearly going to be the more alluring choice.
Front
Rear
Sensor/Lens
pixels |
size |
lens |
|
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS |
12.1 million effective pixels | 1/2.3″ Type CCD |
|
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
10.1 million effective pixels | 1/2.33″ Type CCD |
|
File Size/File Formats/Video
image size |
formats |
Video |
|
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS |
|
|
|
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
|
|
|
Processing/AF Points/AF Modes
Processing |
AF Modes |
Image Stabilization |
|
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS |
DIGIC IV |
|
Yes (Lens-Shift) |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
Venus Engine HD |
|
MEGA O.I.S lens-shift stabilization |
Flash/LCD
Flash |
LCD Size |
LCD Resolution |
|
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS |
|
3.0″ TFT | 230,000 pixels |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
|
3.0 ” TFT | 460,000 pixels |
FPS/ISO/Live View
FPS |
ISO |
Metering |
|
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS |
Approx 0.8 fps | 80-1600 |
|
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
|
|
|
The Fun Stuff
Modes |
Scene Modes |
Parameters |
|
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS |
|
|
My Colors:
|
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
|
Portrait
Soft Skin Transform Self-Portrait Scenery Panorama Assist Sports Night Portrait Night Scenery Low Light Food Party Candle Light Sunset Baby1 Baby2 Pet Hi-Speed Burst (Image Priority / Speed Priority) Flash Burst Starry Sky Fireworks Beach Snow Aerial Pinhole Film Grain Underwater High Sensitivity |
|
Dimensions/Weight/Price
Dimensions |
Weight |
Price |
|
Canon PowerShot SX200 IS |
103 x 61 x 38 mm | Weight: 220 g minus battery | $342 |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 |
103 x 60 x 33 mm
(5 x 2.3 x 1.5in) |
Weight: 206 g minus battery | $399 |
Get the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS at Amazon, B&H Photo
pre-order the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 at Amazon or B&H Photo
Continue the Discussion
|
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Wow…..very confusing…..
i still cant decide which one to pick up.
What about the comparison between Leica DC Elmarit vs Canon Lens? Anyone got the info?
It is a real tough choice. I liked the SX200 IS, haven’t used the ZS3, but it tends to review a bit better, has stereo sound, but no manual controls.
A lots of concern have been emitted regarding the Canon flash (bad positioning & automatic openings). Dis you encounter any problem (e.g. blocking the opening, no manual shut-off)?
As I said in my review of the SX200 IS, I didn’t end up having any problem with the flash at all. My initial reaction was that it was annoying that it was designed that way, but in actual use… it was a non factor.
How do the two compare with zoom in video mode? Are they both capable?
I have been using an sx200 for the last year. The flash doesn’t get in the way at all.
I bought the canon xs200 two weeks ago and yesterday I also bought the ZS3. I found the ZS3 far better in the following:
ZS3. VS SX200:
better flash position
Video optical zooming VS limited digital
low light brighter photos
video recording: unlimited AVCHDV Lite ( SH,H,L) mode, 2 GB HD 8 minutes, GVA 21 minutes, QVGA 1 hour mode. VS 4 GB HD 29 minutes, VGA 54 minutes. QVGA about 2hours 30 minutes. There are a lot of settings under MS1, MS2, and SCN. even more than canon. More features and lighter. I decided to keep the ZS3 as my camera.
Lumix is a great camera and has manual over-ride on exposure. Ultra wide 25 mm to 300mm equivalent lens is great. Challenge is dynamic range management.
see http://www.flickr/photos/f32
You need to use
http://www.flickr.com/photos/f32
It is a great compact camera, I’d say look no further than either of these 2…Just choosing maybe difficult. (though not easy to find the ZS3)
Hi! If the ZS3 does indeed have manual override on exposure that is great news – so it does have some manual features?? Lots of reviews say not
sorry this is the site. Also check out the flickr LUMIX groups
Canon is a giant able to maximize profit. It for sure has lots of technologies, yet it releases bit by bit, or minimize it for maximum profit. does its video recording is H264 or still movjpeg?
ZS3 has no limit on recording time and 8GB can take ~2Hr, yet Canon takes 42.5min, and longest seg is 30min only. That what I said, it just try to maximize its profit by use surface spec to confuse customers who not sure the tech details. It also use its existing tech to make a ugly long zoom of 12.
there is a test done by dpreview.com (between a few compact super zoom cameras including the ZS3 & the SX200 IS)
the ZS3 won that test in almost every thing.
here is the link: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q209grouplongzoom/page16.asp
I have to say that the Panasonic is one hell of a camera
Interesting how many people are struggling to come to a decision as to which of these excellent cameras to use. I am too. The ZS3 spec’s are outstanding, and each of the pro’s and con’s of their respective features have been brought out in this thread, and are accurate.
So I was this close to hitting ‘Buy with 1 click’ and getting the Panasonic to meet my specific needs. Wider angle, stereo mics, zoom in movie mode, etc. But when it comes down to it, no camera produces better overall photos than the Canon. I’m sure we’re all had our share of Elph’s and Powershots over the years, and I’ve always been thoroughly impressed and happy with each one.
So if it works, I’m not going to fix it. I’m getting the SX200.
Congrats on your decision Mike! I think the SX200 IS is a nice all-around do everything type camera, plus you get the manual controls too. I think you’ll like it.
I believe there is a mistake under the Canon SX-200’s Specs listeed here — Are you aware it lists that the Canon is capable of Raw, RAW + JPEG and JPeg???
I think this may need revisions as eveyhting I read (and I even just checked the official Canon site at http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_214039_-1, and the Canon SX-200 is listed as taking only *JPEG* format (Finae and Normal) and Not any RAW.
Not sure where you got the Raw…?
The new Canon S90 is the one that can capture RAW from my understanding.
Donna, you’re right, I’ve been meaning to correct this table for awhile, but as you said, no RAW on the sx200 is.
SX200 has RAW via the CHDK-project. The CHDK for the SX200 is beta but works.
I love my Lumix ZS3. I carry it when it would be inconvenient to carry my Nikon D90. It really takes quality pictures and video.
Alan,
by the sounds of it your one of a legion of happy zs3 owners.
Are there really no manual overrides on the Lumix? I like to manually select shutter speeds to create motion blur or for extra sharp motion or to bypass the flash. At this point the Lumix is about $50 less. I currently own a Canon DSLR and a Leica p&s, so for brand loyalty, I’m on both sides.
Lynn, yeah that’s the real negative with the Zs3, no manual controls, it’s a gem otherwise.
i read all ur posts … dey are helpful but still show a 50 50 opinion and patrick likes canon i guess … well now de thing is i need ur help ….. my budget is 350$ n i was almost gonna buy canon 200IS but then a few oder cameras kind of confused me a lot n de panasonic zs3 was included in them … so i need ur help guys … which 1 shud i go for n if u have n e oder camera within my budget … do let me know …..
i need a good zoom and a good picture quality also…
wud prefer 12X zoom
one of my doubts about de cams was dat panasonic cams have arcsoft software that prevents overlapping in the panoramic mode n it also helps in many other stuff whereas canon doesn’t even have dis mode … isn’t that a drawback ….
and then forgetting everything ,,,, evrywhee it has been mentioned that the images captured by canon during the nighttime are far more better than de panasonic cams …. is dat true ??
i need ur help ASAP !!!!
thx
I have a Canon sx200; I’ve used it since May. I am a hiker and take shots of flowers. My camera has supermacro, which lets me take shots at 0 to 1 inches. I don’t think the zs3 can do that.
I love everything about my camera. The only exception would be that in low light I have to hold very still to get a good shot.
Choose the Canon!
ZS3 all the way. Being a realtor taking shoots of interior rooms, I need to show as much as possible, the 25mm does the trick. We as realtors know of the kodak v705? yet unavailble these days has 23mm. 99% of any camera owner is shooting in wide out, whether shooting a group of people or a room to capture all the camera can. How often had you had to change your angle or ask people to squeeze closer to get all in??? Add’l features Hd video with zooming is a plus. Best overall all around camera ZS3 unless you wish to buy several to suit your needs i.e. slr, P&S etc… 300mm on the top end is extreme even these days for P&S cameras.
Hi,
I’m trying to choose between the Panasonic zs3 or the canon sx200is. I want to get into photography, so I’m still a “newbie.” I’m leaning towards the zs3, but I’m wondering if I’ll regret my purchase because I won’t have the manual mode.
Please give me some advice~
At this point I’d consider the S210 or the ZS5/ZS7. As to the manual controls, it’s nice, but not a deal breaker for “newbie” with this type of camera. Still I’m used to working with aperture priority, so I’m always leaning towards a camera that offers manual controls.
How does the Panasonic ZS3/ZS7 compare to the Canon Powershot SX200/210IS in terms of macro capabilities? I would like a good
quality P&S for macro flower photography when using my DSLR and macro lens is not an option.
I have two children that are the subject of 99% of my photos…three-year-old and 11-month-old. Do either one of these cameras do better with moving subjects? Sorry if the answer to this is obvious; I am a complete novice.
RE: Jennifer
Kids move fast so may want to check the speed of other cameras than the SX-200, possibly the DMC-ZS3 though i haven’t tried the Panasonic. I got the Canon SX-200 and not only is the color very unnatural, flash and exposure way too bright, the Saves are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SLOW even with a Lexar Professional 133x write speed memory card, just takes a very, very long time to save a picture (yes I’m using fine quality because want print quality pics). I have used many cameras an now knowing these 2 things I wish I got/would suggest probably the Canon G11 or something faster. When saving on the Canon SX-200 you cannot make any changes on the camera such as to set up the next shot, view pictures or anything until the save is complete. Meanwhile you lose a lot of pictures and people get impatient and you lose a lot of shots.
Steve,
As I remember, the SX200 IS allows for digital zoom only during movie mode, while the Panasonic allows for optical zooming as you’d expect.