Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic GX850

On this page, we are analyzing the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic GX850, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are offered by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and GX850 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and GX850 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS42 was announced 8 years earlier than the GX850 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GX850 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a short view of how the FS42 grades vs the GX850 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic GX850 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS42 provides exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Panasonic GX850 has measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic GX850 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the FS42 against the GX850.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and GX850 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by going through a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and GX850.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FS42 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic GX850 will produce extra detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images more aggressively. The older FS42 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.