Panasonic F5 vs Panasonic FS42

Following is a detailed overview of the Panasonic F5 versus Panasonic FS42, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Ultracompact and both are produced by Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the F5 (14MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the F5 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") provide different sensor sizes.

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The F5 was released 3 years after the FS42 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the F5 matches up against the FS42 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic F5 Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic F5 comes with outer measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic F5 versus Panasonic FS42 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the F5 against the FS42.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the F5 and FS42 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Often, its difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes simply by checking technical specs. The picture underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the F5 and FS42.

As you have seen, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The F5 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic F5 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more modern F5 provides an edge in sensor tech.