Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic FX48

On this page, we are contrasting the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic FX48, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are designed by Panasonic. The resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the FX48 (12MP) is fairly close but the FS42 (1/2.5") and FX48 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FS42 was unveiled 3 months later than the FX48 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FX48 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FS42 scores versus the FX48 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic FX48 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 enjoys physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Panasonic FX48 has specifications of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic FX48 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the FS42 and the FX48.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and FX48 is 95 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing merely by viewing technical specs. The photograph below should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and FX48.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FX48 will render extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a bit more aggressively.