Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic GF5

On this page, we are contrasting the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic GF5, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are created by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is very close but the FS42 (1/2.5") and GF5 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was introduced 4 years earlier than the GF5 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the FS42 scores versus the GF5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 has got external dimensions 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 GF5 has specifications of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic GF5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the FS42 vs the GF5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and GF5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to envision the gap in sensor measurements simply by researching a spec sheet. The visual here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and GF5.

As you can see, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS42 using its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Panasonic GF5 will result in extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older FS42 will be behind in sensor technology.