Panasonic GM5 vs Panasonic SZ3

Below, we will be contrasting the Panasonic GM5 versus Panasonic SZ3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Panasonic. The resolution of the GM5 (16MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the GM5 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

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The GM5 was released 21 months after the SZ3 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the GM5 grades vs the SZ3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GM5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GM5 enjoys outside measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ3 has sizing of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GM5 versus Panasonic SZ3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the GM5 versus the SZ3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the GM5 and SZ3 is 91 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The pic below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GM5 and SZ3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The GM5 contains the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler. The newer GM5 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.