Basic Specifications
Full model name: Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3
Resolution: 16.10 Megapixels
Sensor size: 1/2.33 inch
(6.1mm x 4.6mm)
Lens: 10.00x zoom
(25-250mm eq.)
Viewfinder: LCD
Extended ISO: 100 - 6400
Shutter: 1/1600 - 60 sec
Max Aperture: 3.1
Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.9 in.
(95 x 56 x 22 mm)
Weight: 4.4 oz (126 g)
includes batteries
Availability: 03/2013
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Full specs: Panasonic SZ3 specifications
16.10
Megapixels
10.00x zoom 1/2.33 inch
size sensor
image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3
Front side of Panasonic SZ3 digital camera        

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-SZ3 Preview

by Roger Slavens
Posted: 01/07/2013

With the LUMIX DMC-SZ3, Panasonic refreshes its compact travel line with an affordable, slim, long-zoom camera designed for stashing in your pocket or purse so you'll always be at the ready for capturing moments or making art when the muse calls. The Panasonic SZ3 features a 10x optical zoom (20x digital intelligent zoom) lens, ranging from 25-250mm (in 35mm equivalency), 10 frames-per-second continuous burst shooting (at 3 megapixels) and several creative filters and modes.

Measuring at 3.73 x 2.20 x 0.86 inches (94.8 x 55.8 x 21.9 mm) and weighing just more than 4 ounces, the SZ3 is truly petite. However, it boasts a 1/2.33-inch 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor that Panasonic claims outpaces the performance of its 14.1-megapixel predecessor. The new sensor is backed with high-speed signal input, high-sensitivity recording and Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. anti-shake technology. ISOs run from 100 to 1600 at full resolution, reaching 6400 in High Sensitivity Mode.

Though small, the Panasonic SZ3 is still big enough to host a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot LCD screen on the back, in addition to that 10x optical zoom lens in the front. The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens features a maximum aperture range of f/3.1 at wide angle and f/5.9 at telephoto, and is comprised of nine elements in seven groups.

The SZ3 incorporates the manufacturer's latest raft of filters and fun modes, called Creative Control and Creative Retouch. Creative Control lets you apply filters (such as Retro or One Point Color) before you take the image, and Creative Retouch adds such effects as Toy and Miniature in-camera after shooting.

While it's no high-end movie maker, the camera appears to be a capable video recording, shooting in 720p HD at 24 frames per second in Motion JPEG format. And the Panasonic SZ3 does all for zooming while recording, a nice touch.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-SZ3 ships in March in blue, black and white. Pricing was not available at press time.

 

Buy the Panasonic SZ3

Similar to the SZ3 but smaller lighter larger sensor cheaper But ...
loading
No cameras match your search criteria(s)
   

$128.00

20.1 MP (20% more)

Also lacks viewfinder

6% smaller

8x zoom (25% less)

SZ3 vs W830

$166.98 (25% more)

2 MP (19% more)

Also lacks viewfinder

Similar size

8x zoom (25% less)

SZ3 vs 180

$189.00 (34% more)

2 MP (19% more)

Also lacks viewfinder

9% larger

1x zoom

SZ3 vs 190 IS

$288.00 (57% more)

18.2 MP (12% more)

Also lacks viewfinder

14% larger

2x zoom (50% more)

SZ3 vs WX350

$284.50 (56% more)

20.2 MP (20% more)

Also lacks viewfinder

12% larger

12x zoom (17% more)

SZ3 vs 360 HS

$136.95 (9% more)

20.1 MP (20% more)

Also lacks viewfinder

Similar size

8x zoom (25% less)

SZ3 vs A300

$319.00 (61% more)

20.2 MP (20% more)

Also lacks viewfinder

25% larger

25x zoom (60% more)

SZ3 vs SX620 HS

$232.95 (46% more)

16 MP

Also lacks viewfinder

48% larger

5x zoom (100% less)

SZ3 vs WG-50

$168.50 (26% more)

16.1 MP

Also lacks viewfinder

Similar size

4x zoom (150% less)

SZ3 vs TS30

$386.95 (68% more)

16 MP

Also lacks viewfinder

46% larger

5x zoom (100% less)

SZ3 vs W300

$0.00

16 MP

Also lacks viewfinder

48% larger

5x zoom (100% less)

SZ3 vs WG-80

$119.00

16.4 MP

Also lacks viewfinder

46% larger

5x zoom (100% less)

SZ3 vs XP120

$348.00 (64% more)

18.2 MP (12% more)

Also lacks viewfinder

45% larger

3x zoom (67% more)

SZ3 vs WX500

$156.95 (20% more)

13.2 MP (22% less)

Also lacks viewfinder

58% larger

3x zoom (233% less)

SZ3 vs W100

$109.00 (15% less)

16.4 MP

Also lacks viewfinder

46% larger

5x zoom (100% less)

SZ3 vs XP130

$301.98 (59% more)

20.2 MP (20% more)

Also lacks viewfinder

55% larger

5x zoom (100% less)

SZ3 vs WG-6

$368.00 (66% more)

18.2 MP (12% more)

Has viewfinder

45% larger

3x zoom (67% more)

SZ3 vs HX80

$448.00 (72% more)

18.2 MP (12% more)

Has viewfinder

45% larger

3x zoom (67% more)

SZ3 vs HX90V

$229.00 (45% more)

16.4 MP

Also lacks viewfinder

46% larger

5x zoom (100% less)

SZ3 vs XP140

$473.00 (74% more)

18.2 MP (12% more)

Has viewfinder

45% larger

28x zoom (64% more)

SZ3 vs HX99

Suggestion for improvement? Head over here.