Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic SZ7

Here is a complete assessment of the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic SZ7, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are produced by Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and SZ7 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and SZ7 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was launched 3 years prior to the SZ7 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the FS42 grades against the SZ7 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS42 enjoys physical 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 SZ7 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic SZ7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the FS42 versus the SZ7.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and SZ7 is 95 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and SZ7.

Clearly, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Panasonic SZ7 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.