Panasonic FH2 vs Panasonic ZS45

The following is a complete review of the Panasonic FH2 vs Panasonic ZS45, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FH2 (14MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is very comparable and they come with the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FH2 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the ZS45 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FH2 scores against the ZS45 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH2 provides outside dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS45 has proportions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH2 vs Panasonic ZS45 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the FH2 and the ZS45.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FH2 and ZS45 is 96 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions only by going through specs. The picture below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH2 and ZS45.

All in all, the 2 cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic ZS45 to provide greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged FH2 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.