Panasonic F5 vs Panasonic GF1

In this article, we will be looking at the Panasonic F5 and Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are created by Panasonic. The resolution of the F5 (14MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is pretty close but the F5 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The F5 was launched 3 years later than the GF1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a brief summary of how the F5 matches up against the GF1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic F5 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic F5 has external 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) whilst the Panasonic GF1 has sizing of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic F5 and Panasonic GF1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the F5 versus the GF1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the F5 and GF1 is 96 and 85 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements only by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the F5 and GF1.

As you can see, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The F5 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic F5 will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The younger F5 should have an advantage in sensor technology.