Canon G16 vs Panasonic SZ3

Its time to look more closely at the Canon G16 versus Panasonic SZ3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Canon and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the G16 (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the G16 (1/1.7") and SZ3 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The G16 was unveiled 11 months later than the SZ3 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the G16 scores vs the SZ3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot G16 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are provided at Canon G16 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Canon G16 offers outside measurements of 109mm x 76mm x 40mm (4.3" x 3.0" x 1.6") with a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has sizing of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Canon G16 versus Panasonic SZ3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the G16 compared to the SZ3.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the G16 and SZ3 is 85 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements just by reviewing specs. The photograph below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the G16 and SZ3.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The G16 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic SZ3 will deliver greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The newer G16 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.