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Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3 Review | 108 Data compared

Avg. price:~£190Sensor size:1/2.3"Weight:126 gBattery life (CIPA):250 shots

Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

3.7

Overall score

Score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

90%

3.7

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 98% of cameras
3.7

Technical score

Technical score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

28%

4.2

Sensor & Image

25%

3.5

Photo Features

18%

3.8

Video & Audio

14%

4.4

Display & Design

8%

3.1

Battery & Power

7%

2.2

Connectivity & Storage

â–¼Worse than 93% of cameras
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £190

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3

Technical score
Technical score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

28%

4.2

Sensor & Image

25%

3.5

Photo Features

18%

3.8

Video & Audio

14%

4.4

Display & Design

8%

3.1

Battery & Power

7%

2.2

Connectivity & Storage

3.7
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3 has a popularity score of 1, which is lower than 51.3% of cameras.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

60%

3.7

Overall score

40%

9.5

Price

5.5
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor size
1/2.3"
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This camera uses a sensor classified as 1/2.3"; it is smaller than the sensor in 60.5% of cameras and the same size as the sensor in 38.1% of cameras.
Main camera megapixels
16.1 MP
Main camera megapixels
16.1 MP
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
This camera has a sensor resolution of 16.1 MP, which is lower than that of 53.3% of cameras and equal to that of 7.9% of cameras.
Main camera pixel size
1.33 µm
Main camera pixel size
1.33 µm
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
This camera has sensor pixels measuring 1.33 µm, which are smaller than those in 88.2% of cameras and the same size as those in 3.6% of cameras.
Base ISO
100
Base ISO
100
â–¼ Worse than 28% of models
Market range: <80 – >200
This camera has a base ISO of 100 which is higher than that of 19.9% of cameras and equal to that of 52.4% of cameras.
Max ISO
ISO 1600 ISO
Max ISO
ISO 1,600
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
This camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of ISO 1,600, which is lower than that of 85.9% of cameras and equal to that of 13.2% of cameras.
Show more
Lens mount
N/A
Built-in focus motor
no
Built-in focus motor
no
â–¼ Worse than 11% of models
This camera does not have a built-in focus motor. 11% of cameras have a built-in focus motor.
N. of focus points
23
N. of focus points
23
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <9 – >399
This camera has 23 focus points, more than the number offered by 44.6% of cameras and equal to the number offered by 5.7% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
no
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
no
â–¼ Worse than 37% of models
This camera does not support phase-detection autofocus for photos. 37.5% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
yes
AF tracking
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This camera supports AF tracking. This feature is available on 88% of cameras.
Show more
Max video resolution
1,280 px
Max video resolution
1,280 px
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
This camera supports 1,280 px video recording which is lower quality than that of 71.4% of cameras and equal to that of 18.5% of cameras.
Video bitrate
10 Mbps
Video bitrate
10 Mbps
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <12 Mbps – >237 Mbps
This camera has a video bitrate of 10 Mbps which is lower than that of 90.9% of cameras and equal to that of 1.6% of cameras.
Video bit depth
8 bit
Video bit depth
8 bit
â–¼ Worse than 12% of models
This camera supports video at 8 bit, a bit depth higher than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 80.6% of cameras.
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This camera supports 4:2:0 video chroma subsampling which is more advanced than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 69.9% of cameras.
Video codecs
Motion JPEG
Show more
Type
compact
Weight
126 g
Weight
126 g
★ Better than 94% of models
Market range: <142 g – >812 g
This camera weighs 126 g which is lighter than 94% of cameras and equal to the weight of 0.5% of cameras.
Width
94.8 mm
Width
94.8 mm
★ Better than 94% of models
Market range: <96 mm – >142.6 mm
This camera has a width of 94.8 mm which is narrower than 93.8% of cameras.
Height
55.8 mm
Height
55.8 mm
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
This camera has a height of 55.8 mm which is shorter than 95% of cameras and equal to that of 0.1% of cameras.
Thickness
21.9 mm
Thickness
21.9 mm
★ Better than 90% of models
Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
This camera has a thickness of 21.9 mm which is thinner than 90% of cameras and equal to that of 0.1% of cameras.
Show more
Battery life (CIPA)
250 shots
Battery life (CIPA)
250 shots
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Market range: <210 shots – >700 shots
This camera has a CIPA-rated battery life of 250 shots, which is shorter than that of 72.1% of cameras and equal to that of 4.2% of cameras.
Battery capacity
690 mAh
Battery capacity
690 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <700 mAh – >2.2k mAh
This camera has a battery capacity of 690 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 92% of cameras and equal to those in 0.6% of cameras.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This camera has a removable battery, and 98.7% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
â–¼ Worse than 10% of models
This camera does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.1% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
This camera does not support Wi-Fi. 47.9% of cameras include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
Bluetooth connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This camera does not have Bluetooth. 22.7% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera does not include USB Type-C. 14.6% of cameras use USB-C.
Show more

Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3 vs the average camera

246810TotalDisplay & DesignSensor & ImagePhoto FeaturesVideo & AudioBattery & PowerConnectivity & Storage
  • 269 g lighter
    Weight
    126 g
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <142 g – >812 g
    This camera is lighter than the average camera (126 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    126 g vs 395 g
  • Supports 24p cinema mode
    24p cinema mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This camera supports 24p cinema mode, the average camera does not. 44% of cameras support this mode.
    720p only
  • 0.09 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    0.09 GB
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >0.07 GB
    This camera has a higher internal storage than the average camera (0.1 GB vs 0 GB). The average camera offers 0 GB of internal storage.
    0.09 GB vs 0 GB
  • 25.1 mm narrower
    Width
    94.8 mm
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <96 mm – >142.6 mm
    This camera is narrower than the average camera (94.8 mm vs 119.9 mm). The average camera has a width of 119.9 mm.
    94.8 mm vs 119.9 mm
  • 18.1 mm shorter body
    Height
    55.8 mm
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
    This camera is shorter than the average camera (55.8 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
    55.8 mm vs 73.9 mm
  • 24.1 mm thinner
    Thickness
    21.9 mm
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
    This camera is thinner than the average camera (21.9 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
    21.9 mm vs 46 mm
  • In-camera panorama mode
    In-camera panorama mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This camera includes an in-camera panorama mode, the average camera does not.
    Panorama Shot
  • 269 g lighter
    Weight
    126 g
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <142 g – >812 g
    This camera is lighter than the average camera (126 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    126 g vs 395 g
  • 25.1 mm narrower
    Width
    94.8 mm
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <96 mm – >142.6 mm
    This camera is narrower than the average camera (94.8 mm vs 119.9 mm). The average camera has a width of 119.9 mm.
    94.8 mm vs 119.9 mm
  • 18.1 mm shorter body
    Height
    55.8 mm
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
    This camera is shorter than the average camera (55.8 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
    55.8 mm vs 73.9 mm
  • 24.1 mm thinner
    Thickness
    21.9 mm
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
    This camera is thinner than the average camera (21.9 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
    21.9 mm vs 46 mm
  • In-camera panorama mode
    In-camera panorama mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This camera includes an in-camera panorama mode, the average camera does not.
    Panorama Shot
  • Supports 24p cinema mode
    24p cinema mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This camera supports 24p cinema mode, the average camera does not. 44% of cameras support this mode.
    720p only
  • 0.09 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    0.09 GB
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >0.07 GB
    This camera has a higher internal storage than the average camera (0.1 GB vs 0 GB). The average camera offers 0 GB of internal storage.
    0.09 GB vs 0 GB
  • Smaller sensor
    Sensor size
    1/2.3"
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This camera has a smaller sensor than the average camera (1/2.3" vs APS-C).
    1/2.3" vs APS-C
  • 2.01 µm smaller sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    1.33 µm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
    This camera has smaller sensor pixels than the average camera (1.3 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    1.33 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • 4.3 fps slower mechanical burst
    Continuous shooting (mechanical)
    1.4 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.08 fps – >10 fps
    This camera has a slower mechanical burst than the average camera (1.4 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera reaches 5.7 fps.
    1.4 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • 0.3 in smaller screen diagonal
    Screen size
    2.7 in
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <2.7 in – >3.2 in
    This camera has a smaller screen than the average camera (2.7 in vs 3 in). The average camera has a screen size of 3 in.
    2.7 in vs 3 in
  • Lacks HDR mode
    HDR mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This camera does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • Lower video resolution
    Max video resolution
    1,280 px
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This camera records lower-resolution video than the average camera (1280 px vs 1920 px). The average camera records at 1920 px.
    1280 px vs 1920 px
  • No hot shoe
    Hot shoe
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This camera does not have a hot shoe, the average camera does.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    N. of microphones
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This camera has fewer microphones than the average camera (1 vs 2). The average camera has 2 microphones.
    1 vs 2
  • 13.4% worse value for money
    Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3 has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera (5.46 vs 6.2).
    5.46 vs 6.2
  • 93% less popular
    Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3 is less popular than the average camera (1 vs 1.9).
    1 vs 1.93
  • 0.3 in smaller screen diagonal
    Screen size
    2.7 in
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <2.7 in – >3.2 in
    This camera has a smaller screen than the average camera (2.7 in vs 3 in). The average camera has a screen size of 3 in.
    2.7 in vs 3 in
  • No hot shoe
    Hot shoe
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This camera does not have a hot shoe, the average camera does.
  • Smaller sensor
    Sensor size
    1/2.3"
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This camera has a smaller sensor than the average camera (1/2.3" vs APS-C).
    1/2.3" vs APS-C
  • 2.01 µm smaller sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    1.33 µm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
    This camera has smaller sensor pixels than the average camera (1.3 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    1.33 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Lacks HDR mode
    HDR mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This camera does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • 4,800 ISO lower maximum sensitivity limit
    Max ISO
    1,600 ISO
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <1.6k ISO – >40k ISO
    This camera has a lower maximum sensitivity than the average camera (1600 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO.
    1,600 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • 18,900 ISO lower extended sensitivity limit
    Max expanded ISO
    6,400 ISO
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <3.2k ISO – >102.4k ISO
    This camera has a lower expanded ISO than the average camera (6400 ISO vs 25300 ISO). The average camera reaches an expanded ISO of 25300 ISO.
    6,400 ISO vs 25,300 ISO
  • Lower sensor resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    16.1 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This camera has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (16.1 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
    16.1 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • 4.3 fps slower mechanical burst
    Continuous shooting (mechanical)
    1.4 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.08 fps – >10 fps
    This camera has a slower mechanical burst than the average camera (1.4 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera reaches 5.7 fps.
    1.4 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • No RAW photo capture
    RAW photo capture
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This camera does not support RAW photo capture, the average camera does. 62.8% of cameras support RAW formats.
  • No manual focus mode
    Manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This camera does not support manual focus, the average camera does. 71.7% of cameras include a manual focus mode.
  • No manual exposure control
    Manual exposure
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This camera does not support manual exposure, the average camera does. 72% of cameras support manual exposure controls.
    No true manual exposure mode.
  • Lower video resolution
    Max video resolution
    1,280 px
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This camera records lower-resolution video than the average camera (1280 px vs 1920 px). The average camera records at 1920 px.
    1280 px vs 1920 px
  • 1 fewer microphones
    N. of microphones
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This camera has fewer microphones than the average camera (1 vs 2). The average camera has 2 microphones.
    1 vs 2
  • 20 Mbps lower video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    10 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <12 Mbps – >237 Mbps
    This camera has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (10 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
    10 Mbps vs 30 Mbps
  • 430 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    690 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <700 mAh – >2.2k mAh
    This camera has a lower battery capacity than the average camera (690 mAh vs 1120 mAh). The average camera has a battery capacity of 1120 mAh.
    690 mAh vs 1,120 mAh
  • 80 shots fewer shots per charge
    Battery life (CIPA)
    250 shots
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <210 shots – >700 shots
    This camera has shorter battery life than the average camera (250 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
    250 shots vs 330 shots
  • No HDMI output
    HDMI output
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    This camera does not support HDMI output, the average camera does. 78.7% of cameras support HDMI output.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
ephotozine.com
27/01/2014
Summary of the review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 Review - ePHOTOzine
D
digitalfilmnerd.com
21/05/2022
Summary of the review
Review: Panasonic Lumix DMCSZ3
C
camerarace.com
07/01/2013
Summary of the review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 - Review and technical sheet
C
chip.de
29/07/2013
Summary of the review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 Review
(Translated)Show original
Q
quechoisir.org
10/12/2015
Summary of the review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 Review - Go to the product viewer for this item. - Camera
(Translated)Show original
C
camerarace.com
No Date Provided
Summary of the review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 - Review and specifications
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3

  • Compact and lightweight design, easily fits in a pocket
  • Versatile 10x optical zoom Leica lens (25-250mm equivalent)
  • Effective optical image stabilization (O.I.S.) for steadier shots
  • Fun creative control modes and filters for in-camera editing
  • Capable 720p HD video recording with zoom support while filming
  • Good value for money as an introductory point-and-shoot camera

What we don't like about Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3

  • Small 1/2.3" sensor can result in lower image quality and noise
  • Limited battery life (approx. 250 shots per charge)
  • Lack of manual focus and manual exposure modes
  • No wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) for easy sharing
  • Not weather-sealed, making it vulnerable to dust and moisture
  • No RAW support or external flash hot shoe

Verdict

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 is a slim, pocket-friendly compact camera featuring a 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor and a versatile 10x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens (25-250mm equivalent). It is equipped with Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilisation) to reduce blur, an Intelligent Auto (iA) mode for beginners, and 720p HD video recording capabilities with a dedicated movie button. Its main pros include an exceptionally lightweight 130g body, a high-quality Leica lens for its price bracket, and convenient USB charging. However, it is limited by a relatively small 2.7-inch LCD with low 230k-dot resolution, an aging CCD sensor that struggles in low light, and the lack of Full HD video or manual exposure controls.

Compare Panasonic LUMIX DMC SZ3 with other products in the Cameras category

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