Panasonic FZ200 vs Panasonic SZ1

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic SZ1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are designed by Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the FZ200 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FZ200 was announced 7 months later than the SZ1 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the FZ200 matches up versus the SZ1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ200 has outside measurements of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") with a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic SZ1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the FZ200 against the SZ1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ200 and SZ1 is 65 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing merely by looking through specs. The visual below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ200 and SZ1.

All in all, both of those cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Panasonic SZ1 to result in extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern FZ200 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.