Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax P70

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax P70, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and P70 (12MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ3 was manufactured 3 years after the P70 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SZ3 scores versus the P70 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Pentax Optio P70. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Pentax P70 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ3 features 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) whilst the Pentax P70 has measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax P70 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ3 compared to the P70.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ3 and P70 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Generally, its hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The picture below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ3 and P70.

As you have seen, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size but different MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ3 to offer you greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images way more aggressively. The more recent SZ3 provides an advantage in sensor tech.