Panasonic SZ1 vs Panasonic ZS70

Below is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic SZ1 and Panasonic ZS70, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the ZS70 (20MP) is very well matched and both cameras boast the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ1 was unveiled 6 years before the ZS70 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the SZ1 matches up against the ZS70 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS70 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ1 features external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS70 has dimensions of 112mm x 67mm x 41mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") with a weight of 322 grams (0.71 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ1 and Panasonic ZS70 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the SZ1 vs the ZS70.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ1 and ZS70 is 95 and 87 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ1 and ZS70.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Panasonic ZS70 to resolve extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos more aggressively. The older SZ1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.