Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic LX5

Following is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic LX5, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Panasonic. The resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is very well matched but the FS42 (1/2.5") and LX5 (1/1.63") posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the LX5 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the FS42 matches up vs the LX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS42 offers physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Panasonic LX5 has dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic LX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the FS42 vs the LX5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and LX5 is 95 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading through technical specs. The picture here might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and LX5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have the same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The FS42 includes the tinier sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult. The more aged FS42 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.