Panasonic FH2 vs Panasonic ZS5

The following is a complete review of the Panasonic FH2 vs Panasonic ZS5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FH2 (14MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is very well matched and both cameras have the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FH2 was unveiled 7 months after the ZS5 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short view of how the FH2 grades against the ZS5 in regards 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-ZS5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH2 comes with physical dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH2 vs Panasonic ZS5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the FH2 vs the ZS5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FH2 and ZS5 is 96 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions purely by checking a spec sheet. The image here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH2 and ZS5.

Clearly, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic FH2 to resolve more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more recent FH2 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.