Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic SZ5

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic SZ5, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap among the resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and SZ5 (14MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The L1 was launched 6 years prior to the SZ5 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the L1 matches up vs the SZ5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic L1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic L1 offers outside dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") having a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ5 has measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic SZ5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the L1 compared to the SZ5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the L1 and SZ5 is 65 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to see the contrast in sensor sizing just by checking out a spec sheet. The visual here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the L1 and SZ5.

As you can see, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The L1 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ5 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 7MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older L1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.