Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic FZ150

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic FZ150, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the FZ150 (12MP) is relatively close but the FS42 (1/2.5") and FZ150 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

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The FS42 was revealed 4 years prior to the FZ150 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FZ150 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FS42 matches up against the FZ150 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic FZ150 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS42 enjoys outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ150 has dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 528 grams (1.16 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic FZ150 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the FS42 compared to the FZ150.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and FZ150 is 95 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes only by viewing a spec sheet. The pic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and FZ150.

As you can see, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FS42 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FZ150 will render more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged FS42 will be behind in sensor tech.