Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic SZ3

Let's examine more closely at the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic SZ3, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and SZ3 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The FS42 was released 4 years before the SZ3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the FS42 scores vs the SZ3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS42 enjoys external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic SZ3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the FS42 versus the SZ3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and SZ3 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Often, its hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by reading specifications. The photograph underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and SZ3.

To sum up, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic SZ3 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.