Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic LZ20

Here is a extended comparison of the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic LZ20, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The resolution of the FP5 (14MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras provide the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FP5 was revealed 18 months before the LZ20 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a simple overview of how the FP5 grades versus the LZ20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP5 Gallery & Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FP5 comes with outside dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has specifications of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") and a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic LZ20 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the FP5 compared to the LZ20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FP5 and LZ20 is 95 and 71 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP5 and LZ20.

As you can tell, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Panasonic LZ20 to give you extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FP5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.