Panasonic G3 vs Panasonic SZ8

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic G3 vs Panasonic SZ8, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. The image resolution of the G3 (16MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is very well matched but the G3 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The G3 was brought out 3 years before the SZ8 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short summation of how the G3 grades vs the SZ8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G3 has exterior measurements of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") and a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ8 has proportions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic G3 vs Panasonic SZ8 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the G3 against the SZ8.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the G3 and SZ8 is 83 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the G3 and SZ8.

As you can see, both the cameras provide the same megapixels but different sensor sizing. The G3 has the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF simpler. The older G3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.