Panasonic SZ3 vs Panasonic ZS100

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic SZ3 and Panasonic ZS100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ3 was announced 4 years prior to the ZS100 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SZ3 grades against the ZS100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ3 provides outer measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Panasonic SZ3 and Panasonic ZS100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ3 compared to the ZS100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ3 and ZS100 is 96 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements just by seeing specs. The graphic below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ3 and ZS100.

All in all, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ3 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will show more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.