Panasonic FZ200 vs Panasonic SZ3

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic FZ200 vs Panasonic SZ3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the FZ200 (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FZ200 was unveiled 5 months prior to the SZ3 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the FZ200 scores vs the SZ3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ200 enjoys external dimensions of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") having a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has specifications of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ200 vs Panasonic SZ3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the FZ200 against the SZ3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ200 and SZ3 is 65 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by viewing technical specs. The photograph below should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ200 and SZ3.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Panasonic SZ3 to render extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots far more aggressively.