Panasonic SZ3 vs Sony A580

In this article, we will be matching up the Panasonic SZ3 versus Sony A580, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the A580 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ3 was unveiled 20 months after the A580 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SZ3 scores vs the A580 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ3 provides external dimensions 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 Sony A580 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic SZ3 versus Sony A580 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ3 vs the A580.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ3 and A580 is 96 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes merely by checking out specs. The pic here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ3 and A580.

All in all, both of those cameras offer the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The SZ3 provides the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging. The younger SZ3 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.