Panasonic FS12 vs Panasonic ZS20

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic FS12 and Panasonic ZS20, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FS12 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is fairly similar and both cameras posses the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FS12 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the ZS20 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the FS12 grades versus the ZS20 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS12 provides exterior measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS20 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS12 and Panasonic ZS20 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the FS12 versus the ZS20.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS12 and ZS20 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FS12 and ZS20.

As you can tell, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size but different MP. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZS20 to offer you more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older FS12 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.