Panasonic FZ1000 vs Panasonic SZ3

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic FZ1000 and Panasonic SZ3, one being a Large Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FZ1000 (20MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the FZ1000 (1") and SZ3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The FZ1000 was revealed 18 months later than the SZ3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the FZ1000 scores versus the SZ3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ1000 provides external measurements of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") having a weight of 831 grams (1.83 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 FZ1000 and Panasonic SZ3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the FZ1000 versus the SZ3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ1000 and SZ3 is 55 and 96 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ1000 and SZ3.

As you can see, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FZ1000 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FZ1000 will produce more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent FZ1000 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.