Panasonic FH8 vs Panasonic ZS5

On this page, we are looking at the Panasonic FH8 and Panasonic ZS5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the FH8 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FH8 was launched 20 months later than the ZS5 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FH8 scores against the ZS5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FH8 has physical dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH8 and Panasonic ZS5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the FH8 compared to the ZS5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FH8 and ZS5 is 96 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading through technical specs. The graphic below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH8 and ZS5.

As you can tell, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic FH8 to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The younger FH8 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.