Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic FZ70

Here is a detailed comparison of the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic FZ70, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and FZ70 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and FZ70 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The FS42 was released 5 years prior to the FZ70 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short view of how the FS42 matches up against the FZ70 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic FZ70 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS42 features physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ70 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic FZ70 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the FS42 compared to the FZ70.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and FZ70 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by reviewing specs. The graphic here may give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and FZ70.

All in all, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FS42 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic FZ70 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.