Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ3

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ3, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both designed by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is relatively similar but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

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The GH3 was introduced 3 months before the SZ3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple view of how the GH3 matches up vs the SZ3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH3 provides outer dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the GH3 compared to the SZ3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GH3 and SZ3 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The visual below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the GH3 and SZ3.

As you can see, both of the cameras have got the exact same megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The GH3 comes with the bigger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult.