Panasonic FP8 vs Panasonic SZ5

Let's look much closer at the Panasonic FP8 and Panasonic SZ5, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is pretty similar and they come with the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FP8 was introduced 4 years before the SZ5 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the FP8 grades vs the SZ5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP8 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP8 offers exterior dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP8 and Panasonic SZ5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the FP8 vs the SZ5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FP8 and SZ5 is 95 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP8 and SZ5.

Clearly, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic SZ5 to offer greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older FP8 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.