Panasonic FS12 vs Sony RX10 IV

Following is a in-depth review of the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony RX10 IV, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and RX10 IV (20MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and RX10 IV (1") offer totally different sensor size.

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The FS12 was revealed 9 years earlier than the RX10 IV which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FS12 matches up versus the RX10 IV with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FS12 provides physical dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 IV has specifications of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") having a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS12 versus Sony RX10 IV in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the FS12 compared to the RX10 IV.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and RX10 IV is 95 and 52 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes merely by looking at specs. The picture below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS12 and RX10 IV.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FS12 using its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Sony RX10 IV will resolve greater detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The more aged FS12 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.