Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic FS42

The following is a thorough comparison of the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic FS42, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact and both are built by Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and FS42 (1/2.5") have totally different sensor sizing.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The S5 was manufactured 11 years after the FS42 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the S5 scores against the FS42 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S5 offers outer measurements of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) and the Panasonic FS42 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic FS42 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the S5 versus the FS42.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and FS42 is 60 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specs. The pic underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the S5 and FS42.

All in all, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S5 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic S5 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 14MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more modern S5 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.