Panasonic SZ1 vs Sony RX10 III

Below is a complete overview of the Panasonic SZ1 and Sony RX10 III, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the RX10 III (20MP) is very similar but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and RX10 III (1") boast different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ1 was announced 5 years prior to the RX10 III and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 III being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ1 scores versus the RX10 III when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery & Sony RX10 III Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ1 features outside measurements 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 Sony RX10 III has sizing of 133mm x 94mm x 127mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.0") accompanied by a weight of 1051 grams (2.32 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic SZ1 and Sony RX10 III in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ1 compared to the RX10 III.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ1 and RX10 III is 95 and 53 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements just by reading technical specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ1 and RX10 III.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ1 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony RX10 III will offer more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The older SZ1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.