Panasonic FH5 vs Panasonic ZS50

The following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic FH5 vs Panasonic ZS50, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and ZS50 (12MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FH5 was announced 5 years earlier than the ZS50 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FH5 grades vs the ZS50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH5 comes with outside 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) while the Panasonic ZS50 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH5 vs Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the FH5 against the ZS50.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH5 and ZS50 is 96 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to see the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH5 and ZS50.

Clearly, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Panasonic FH5 to offer greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots more aggressively. The more aged FH5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.