Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS45

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS45, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and ZS45 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and ZS45 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was manufactured 6 years prior to the ZS45 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FS42 matches up against the ZS45 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS42 has exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has dimensions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS45 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the FS42 against the ZS45.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and ZS45 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at technical specs. The visual below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and ZS45.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FS42 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic ZS45 will resolve more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.