Panasonic G1 vs Panasonic SZ3

Let's look a little more in depth at the Panasonic G1 and Panasonic SZ3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both created by Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the G1 (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the G1 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G1 was announced 5 years prior to the SZ3 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the G1 scores vs the SZ3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic G1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic G1 comes with exterior dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") and a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ3 has specifications of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Panasonic G1 and Panasonic SZ3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the G1 compared to the SZ3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the G1 and SZ3 is 82 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions only by looking through technical specs. The pic below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the G1 and SZ3.

As you have seen, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The G1 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic SZ3 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged G1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.