Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic XS1

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic XS1, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and XS1 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and XS1 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

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The FS42 was released 4 years prior to the XS1 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the FS42 scores against the XS1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 features outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic XS1 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") along with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FS42 and Panasonic XS1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the FS42 versus the XS1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and XS1 is 95 and 97 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes merely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and XS1.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FS42 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic XS1 will give extra detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged FS42 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.