Panasonic S3 vs Panasonic SZ3

Below is a complete comparison of the Panasonic S3 and Panasonic SZ3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S3 (14MP) and the SZ3 (16MP) is pretty similar and both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The S3 was revealed 24 months prior to the SZ3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a concise summary of how the S3 scores vs the SZ3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic S3 provides external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ3 has specifications of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Panasonic S3 and Panasonic SZ3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the S3 against the SZ3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the S3 and SZ3 is 96 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements only by reading a spec sheet. The visual below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the S3 and SZ3.

As you can see, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You should expect the Panasonic SZ3 to offer you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older S3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.