search the site
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
Similar Posts:
- Canon PowerShot S90 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3: Enth…
- Canon PowerShot SX20 IS vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
- Firmware Update for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 Review at Digital Camera Review
- The Hot List: Canon Powershot S90 Leads the Way
Leave a Reply
About Neutralday.com
Established in 2007 by photographer Patrick Dean, Neutralday.com brings you the latest in photography news and reviews. With insights on photographers, equipment, and how to's, Neutralday.com is focused on and intended for the photography community.
Support Neutralday.com
Super Camera Deals
Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR Camera Body with Free 16GB CF Card: $2499 and ships free from B&H Photo
Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Digital Camera: $229 and ships free from B&H Photo
LaCie 1TB d2 Quadra Hard Drive: $149 and ships free from B&H PhotoLatest Tweets
resources
Best Sellers at Amazon
flickr
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?
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)
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
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.