Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS5

Its time to examine more in depth at the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS5, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is pretty close but the FS42 (1/2.5") and ZS5 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

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The FS42 was manufactured 14 months before the ZS5 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the FS42 matches up versus the ZS5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS42 has got outside 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) while the Panasonic ZS5 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic ZS5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the FS42 compared to the ZS5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and ZS5 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The image here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and ZS5.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FS42 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS5 will result in extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged FS42 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.