Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic SZ3

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic SZ3, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Panasonic. The resolution of the GH4 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is very similar but the GH4 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

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The GH4 was introduced 14 months later than the SZ3 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the GH4 scores versus the SZ3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GH4 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH4 features external dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ3 has dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic SZ3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the GH4 and the SZ3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GH4 and SZ3 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements only by reading technical specs. The photograph below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH4 and SZ3.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer the same exact megapixels but different sensor measurements. The GH4 has the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler. The newer GH4 provides a benefit in sensor technology.