Panasonic FZ1000 vs Panasonic SZ1

Its time to examine more in depth at the Panasonic FZ1000 versus Panasonic SZ1, former being a Large Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Panasonic. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the FZ1000 (20MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the FZ1000 (1") and SZ1 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The FZ1000 was introduced 2 years later than the SZ1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the FZ1000 matches up against the SZ1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ1000 has got external dimensions of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ1 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ1000 versus Panasonic SZ1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the FZ1000 compared to the SZ1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FZ1000 and SZ1 is 55 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by seeing specifications. The visual here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ1000 and SZ1.

Plainly, the two cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FZ1000 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FZ1000 will produce extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The fresher FZ1000 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.