Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic ZS1

Below, we will be matching up the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic ZS1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the FP5 (14MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the FP5 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") come with different sensor sizing.

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The FP5 was manufactured 21 months later than the ZS1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the FP5 grades vs the ZS1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP5 enjoys exterior dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS1 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic ZS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the FP5 and the ZS1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FP5 and ZS1 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing technical specs. The graphic below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FP5 and ZS1.

As you can tell, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FP5 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FP5 will result in greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more recent FP5 provides a benefit in sensor technology.