Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic GX7

On this page, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic GX7, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless and they are both created by Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and GX7 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and GX7 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS42 was introduced 5 years before the GX7 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GX7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise overview of how the FS42 grades versus the GX7 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic GX7 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 features physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GX7 has specifications of 123mm x 71mm x 55mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 2.2") along with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic GX7 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the FS42 compared to the GX7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and GX7 is 95 and 81 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by checking out specs. The graphic below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and GX7.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS42 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic GX7 will produce more detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The older FS42 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.