Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic GM5

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic GM5, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both created by Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and GM5 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and GM5 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was launched 6 years earlier than the GM5 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the FS42 matches up vs the GM5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 has outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Panasonic GM5 has proportions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic GM5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the FS42 compared to the GM5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and GM5 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and GM5.

As you can tell, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GM5 will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.