Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic LZ20

The following is a detailed overview of the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic LZ20, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is fairly well matched and they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FH3 was launched 3 years earlier than the LZ20 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the FH3 matches up vs the LZ20 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH3 Gallery & Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera often, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH3 enjoys outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic LZ20 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FH3 against the LZ20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH3 and LZ20 is 94 and 71 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by checking specs. The picture here will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH3 and LZ20.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic LZ20 to give greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images far more aggressively. The more aged FH3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.