Panasonic GX85 vs Panasonic SZ1

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic GX85 vs Panasonic SZ1, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are offered by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GX85 (16MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is very similar but the GX85 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The GX85 was introduced 4 years after the SZ1 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GX85 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a full comparison, below is a short view of how the GX85 matches up against the SZ1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GX85 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GX85 provides external measurements of 122mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 426 grams (0.94 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).

Check out the Panasonic GX85 vs Panasonic SZ1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the GX85 and the SZ1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GX85 and SZ1 is 83 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specs. The image below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the GX85 and SZ1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The GX85 offers the larger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The younger GX85 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.