Panasonic L10 vs Panasonic SZ3

Below is a thorough review of the Panasonic L10 and Panasonic SZ3, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the L10 (10MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the L10 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The L10 was introduced 6 years prior to the SZ3 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic L10 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the L10 scores versus the SZ3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic L10 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic L10 enjoys outside measurements of 135mm x 96mm x 78mm (5.3" x 3.8" x 3.1") and a weight of 556 grams (1.23 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ3 has measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Panasonic L10 and Panasonic SZ3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view scale comparison of the L10 and the SZ3.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the L10 and SZ3 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by looking at specs. The graphic below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the L10 and SZ3.

All in all, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The L10 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic SZ3 will give you greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older L10 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.