Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic SZ7

Following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic FZ70 versus Panasonic SZ7, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FZ70 (16MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is relatively well matched and they come with the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ70 was announced 19 months after the SZ7 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short overview of how the FZ70 matches up versus the SZ7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ70 Gallery & Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ70 provides exterior dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ7 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ70 versus Panasonic SZ7 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the FZ70 vs the SZ7.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ70 and SZ7 is 63 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ70 and SZ7.

As you can see, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Panasonic FZ70 to resolve greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The newer FZ70 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.