Panasonic LF1 vs Panasonic SZ3

Here is a in depth assessment of the Panasonic LF1 versus Panasonic SZ3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and both of them are created by Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the LF1 (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the LF1 (1/1.7") and SZ3 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The LF1 was unveiled 11 months later than the SZ3 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the LF1 matches up versus the SZ3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LF1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LF1 has outer measurements of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has proportions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic LF1 versus Panasonic SZ3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the LF1 vs the SZ3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LF1 and SZ3 is 92 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the LF1 and SZ3.

As you can tell, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LF1 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ3 will produce extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The newer LF1 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.