Panasonic FS12 vs Panasonic FZ100

Here, we will be comparing the Panasonic FS12 and Panasonic FZ100, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FS12 (12MP) and the FZ100 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FS12 was introduced 15 months before the FZ100 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the FS12 matches up versus the FZ100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS12 comes with outside dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ100 has dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS12 and Panasonic FZ100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the FS12 compared to the FZ100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FS12 and FZ100 is 95 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor measurements purely by viewing specs. The photograph below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS12 and FZ100.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You should count on the Panasonic FZ100 to render more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older FS12 will be behind in sensor innovation.