Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic FX580

Lets take a deeper look at the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic FX580, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the FS42 (1/2.5") and FX580 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS42 was unveiled 3 months later than the FX580 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the FS42 matches up versus the FX580 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS42 comes with outer measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX580 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic FX580 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the FS42 compared to the FX580.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and FX580 is 95 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at technical specs. The visual below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and FX580.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic FX580 will give more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively.