Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS10

Here, we are comparing the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic ZS10, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and ZS10 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and ZS10 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was introduced 21 months earlier than the ZS10 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS10 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the FS42 matches up against the ZS10 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Panasonic ZS10 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS42 features exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS10 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic ZS10 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 are working with at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the FS42 compared to the ZS10.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and ZS10 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and ZS10.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FS42 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic ZS10 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The older FS42 will be behind in sensor technology.