Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic SZ7

Below is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic SZ7, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Panasonic. The resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is very similar but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

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The GH3 was announced 9 months later than the SZ7 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the GH3 matches up vs the SZ7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic GH3 has got exterior dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") along with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ7 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic SZ7 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the GH3 against the SZ7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GH3 and SZ7 is 66 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to picture the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading specifications. The visual below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH3 and SZ7.

Plainly, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GH3 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic GH3 will offer you more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer GH3 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.