Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic SZ3

Below is a in depth overview of the Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic SZ3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FH1 was brought out 4 years prior to the SZ3 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the FH1 scores versus the SZ3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH1 comes with physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ3 has proportions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic SZ3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the FH1 versus the SZ3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FH1 and SZ3 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to see the difference in sensor measurements just by going through a spec sheet. The photograph here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FH1 and SZ3.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ3 to produce extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images way more aggressively. The older FH1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.