Panasonic SZ3 vs Panasonic ZS50

Here is a detailed review of the Panasonic SZ3 and Panasonic ZS50, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and ZS50 (12MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ3 was brought out 24 months before the ZS50 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SZ3 scores versus the ZS50 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ3 offers outside measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS50 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic SZ3 and Panasonic ZS50 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ3 vs the ZS50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ3 and ZS50 is 96 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through a spec sheet. The visual here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ3 and ZS50.

Clearly, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size but different MP. You can expect to see the Panasonic SZ3 to give greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The older SZ3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.