Panasonic SZ3 vs Sony WX500

Below is a in depth assessment of the Panasonic SZ3 versus Sony WX500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the WX500 (18MP) is very similar and both cameras posses the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SZ3 was manufactured 3 years prior to the WX500 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SZ3 grades against the WX500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ3 provides 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) and the Sony WX500 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic SZ3 versus Sony WX500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ3 against the WX500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ3 and WX500 is 96 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to see the gap between sensor measurements just by reviewing specs. The visual underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ3 and WX500.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Sony WX500 to deliver greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older SZ3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.