Panasonic GX7 vs Panasonic SZ1

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic GX7 and Panasonic SZ1, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GX7 (16MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is very well matched but the GX7 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GX7 was revealed 23 months after the SZ1 making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GX7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the GX7 grades versus the SZ1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GX7 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GX7 has got outside measurements of 123mm x 71mm x 55mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Panasonic GX7 and Panasonic SZ1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the GX7 vs the SZ1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GX7 and SZ1 is 81 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The image below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the GX7 and SZ1.

As you have seen, both cameras provide the same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The GX7 has got the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier. The more recent GX7 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.