Panasonic SZ3 vs Sony A6400

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic SZ3 and Sony A6400, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and A6400 (24MP) and the SZ3 (1/2.3") and A6400 (APS-C) feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ3 was launched 7 years before the A6400 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A6400 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SZ3 scores versus the A6400 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Sony Alpha a6400. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Sony A6400 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ3 offers exterior measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Sony A6400 has specifications of 120mm x 67mm x 50mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.0") and a weight of 403 grams (0.89 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic SZ3 and Sony A6400 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ3 vs the A6400.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ3 and A6400 is 96 and 83 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualize the difference in sensor measurements just by checking out technical specs. The photograph below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ3 and A6400.

As you have seen, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony A6400 will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older SZ3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.