Panasonic G3 vs Panasonic SZ3

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic G3 vs Panasonic SZ3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the G3 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is fairly close but the G3 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The G3 was revealed 18 months before the SZ3 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the G3 scores vs the SZ3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G3 has got external measurements of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic G3 vs Panasonic SZ3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view size comparison of the G3 against the SZ3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the G3 and SZ3 is 83 and 96 respectively.

Normally, its hard to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions only by researching specs. The picture here will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the G3 and SZ3.

All in all, the two cameras have got the exact same megapixels but not the same sensor dimensions. The G3 provides the larger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF less difficult. The more aged G3 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.