Canon G12 vs Panasonic SZ5

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Canon G12 and Panasonic SZ5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Canon and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the G12 (10MP) and SZ5 (14MP) and the G12 (1/1.7") and SZ5 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The G12 was manufactured 18 months before the SZ5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the G12 matches up versus the SZ5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot G12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon G12 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon G12 comes with external measurements of 112mm x 76mm x 48mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.9") with a weight of 401 grams (0.88 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has proportions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Check the Canon G12 and Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the G12 compared to the SZ5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the G12 and SZ5 is 83 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by reading technical specs. The visual underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the G12 and SZ5.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The G12 because of its larger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic SZ5 will offer you greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The older G12 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.