Canon G12 vs Panasonic ZS50

Here is a in depth overview of the Canon G12 and Panasonic ZS50, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The resolution of the G12 (10MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is very close but the G12 (1/1.7") and ZS50 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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

The G12 was introduced 5 years before the ZS50 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the G12 matches up vs the ZS50 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot G12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The whole galleries are provided at Canon G12 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Canon G12 offers outer measurements of 112mm x 76mm x 48mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.9") with a weight of 401 grams (0.88 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS50 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

See the Canon G12 and Panasonic ZS50 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the G12 and the ZS50.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the G12 and ZS50 is 83 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing simply by researching specs. The graphic below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the G12 and ZS50.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The G12 having a larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS50 will result in greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images more aggressively. The older G12 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.