Panasonic FP3 vs Panasonic SZ3

The following is a extended analysis of the Panasonic FP3 versus Panasonic SZ3, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is pretty similar and both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FP3 was introduced 4 years before the SZ3 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the FP3 matches up against the SZ3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP3 has got outside measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP3 versus Panasonic SZ3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the FP3 versus the SZ3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP3 and SZ3 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor dimensions just by going over a spec sheet. The pic below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the FP3 and SZ3.

Clearly, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic SZ3 to offer you greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged FP3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.