Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic SZ5

Lets take a more detailed look at the Panasonic GF3 versus Panasonic SZ5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is very similar but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The GF3 was launched 11 months prior to the SZ5 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the GF3 scores versus the SZ5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera often, you have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic GF3 offers external measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has specifications of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GF3 versus Panasonic SZ5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the GF3 vs the SZ5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the GF3 and SZ5 is 90 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to see the difference between sensor measurements merely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here will help provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF3 and SZ5.

As you can see, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GF3 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic SZ5 will offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The older GF3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.