Panasonic FZ200 vs Panasonic SZ7

Here, we are comparing the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic SZ7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Panasonic. The resolution of the FZ200 (12MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is very close and both cameras have the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The FZ200 was revealed 7 months later than the SZ7 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the FZ200 scores versus the SZ7 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ200 comes with external dimensions of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") along with a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ7 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic SZ7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the FZ200 against the SZ7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ200 and SZ7 is 65 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor measurements simply by looking through specs. The graphic here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ200 and SZ7.

All in all, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ7 to render more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The fresher FZ200 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.