Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1
66 Imaging
52 Features
80 Overall
63
![Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 front Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH3/Panasonic-GH3-front.jpg)
![Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 front Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ1/Panasonic-SZ1-front.jpg)
95 Imaging
39 Features
34 Overall
37
Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 200 - 12800
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 550g - 133 x 93 x 82mm
- Introduced September 2012
- Old Model is Panasonic GH2
- New Model is Panasonic GH4
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 131g - 99 x 59 x 21mm
- Introduced January 2012
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 Overview
Lets take a more detailed look at the Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is relatively similar but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
The GH3 was revealed 9 months later than the SZ1 and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.
Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the GH3 scores against the SZ1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GH3 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic GH3 over the Panasonic SZ1
GH3 | SZ1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | September 2012 | ![]() | January 2012 | Fresher by 9 months |
Manually focus | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating screen |
Screen resolution | 614k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+384k dot) |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ1 over the Panasonic GH3
SZ1 | GH3 |
---|
Common features in the Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic SZ1
GH3 | SZ1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen size |
Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 Physical Comparison
In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GH3 provides physical measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).
Look at the Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the GH3 and the SZ1.
![Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 size comparison Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH3-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ1-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GH3 and SZ1 is 66 and 95 respectively.
![Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 top view buttons comparison Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH3-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ1-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading specifications. The visual here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GH3 and SZ1.
Plainly, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The GH3 features the bigger sensor which should make obtaining bokeh easier. The more modern GH3 will have an edge in sensor innovation.
![Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 sensor size comparison Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH3-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ1-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 Screen and ViewFinder
![Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH3-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ1-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ1 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Panasonic | Panasonic |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 |
Category | Advanced Mirrorless | Small Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2012-09-17 | 2012-01-09 |
Body design | SLR-style mirrorless | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Venus Engine VII FHD | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 224.9mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Number of focus points | 23 | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Micro Four Thirds | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | - | 25-250mm (10.0x) |
Maximum aperture | - | f/3.1-5.9 |
Macro focus range | - | 4cm |
Available lenses | 107 | - |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 614 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen tech | OLED Monitor with static touch control | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | None |
Viewfinder resolution | 1,744 thousand dot | - |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.67x | - |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 60 seconds | 8 seconds |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | 20.0fps | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m | 5.60 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/160 seconds | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25 24 fps) 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25fps | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 | MPEG-4 |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 550 gr (1.21 lbs) | 131 gr (0.29 lbs) |
Dimensions | 133 x 93 x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") | 99 x 59 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 71 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.7 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.4 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 812 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 540 pictures | 250 pictures |
Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 images)) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch price | $799 | $179 |