Panasonic SZ3 vs Panasonic ZS1

Here, we will be comparing the Panasonic SZ3 and Panasonic ZS1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the SZ3 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") provide totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ3 was announced 3 years after the ZS1 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SZ3 grades against the ZS1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ3 comes with physical dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic SZ3 and Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ3 versus the ZS1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ3 and ZS1 is 96 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes merely by looking through specs. The pic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ3 and ZS1.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ3 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic SZ3 will render greater detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more recent SZ3 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.