Leica C vs Panasonic SZ3

Lets examine more in depth at the Leica C and Panasonic SZ3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Leica and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the C (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the C (1/1.7") and SZ3 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The C was unveiled 9 months later than the SZ3 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the C grades vs the SZ3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica C and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are viewable at Leica C Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Leica C has external measurements of 103mm x 63mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ3 has sizing of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check out the Leica C and Panasonic SZ3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the C against the SZ3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the C and SZ3 is 92 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by viewing technical specs. The graphic below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the C and SZ3.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The C using its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ3 will result in greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The more recent C will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.