Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic SZ1

Below is a extended overview of the Panasonic GF3 versus Panasonic SZ1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GF3 was released 5 months before the SZ1 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the GF3 scores versus the SZ1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF3 has got external measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GF3 versus Panasonic SZ1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the GF3 against the SZ1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and SZ1 is 90 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by reading specifications. The graphic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the GF3 and SZ1.

Plainly, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GF3 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ1 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively.