Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax WS80

Its time to examine more closely at the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax WS80, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and WS80 (10MP) but they possess the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ3 was brought out 3 years later than the WS80 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SZ3 scores versus the WS80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Pentax Optio WS80. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ3 features external dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax WS80 has specifications of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax WS80 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the SZ3 vs the WS80.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ3 and WS80 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ3 and WS80.

As you can see, both of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Panasonic SZ3 to give greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos much more aggressively. The more recent SZ3 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.