Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS15

Its time to take a closer look at the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS15, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Panasonic. The resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is relatively close but the FS42 (1/2.5") and ZS15 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

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The FS42 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the ZS15 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the FS42 scores against the ZS15 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 provides external measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS15 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS15 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the FS42 against the ZS15.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and ZS15 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes purely by researching a spec sheet. The pic here will help provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and ZS15.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FS42 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS15 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged FS42 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.