Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic SZ1

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FH3 and Panasonic SZ1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and both of them are sold by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is fairly comparable and both cameras boast the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FH3 was manufactured 24 months earlier than the SZ1 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the FH3 grades versus the SZ1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH3 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH3 offers outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ1 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH3 and Panasonic SZ1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the FH3 vs the SZ1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH3 and SZ1 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Typically, its tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The photograph below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH3 and SZ1.

As you can see, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic SZ1 to produce more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older FH3 will be behind in sensor technology.