Panasonic FS42 vs Sony RX10 IV

Here is a in depth overview of the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony RX10 IV, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and RX10 IV (20MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and RX10 IV (1") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The FS42 was released 9 years earlier than the RX10 IV and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick summary of how the FS42 matches up against the RX10 IV in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 enjoys physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Sony RX10 IV has specifications of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") and a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS42 versus Sony RX10 IV in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the FS42 against the RX10 IV.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and RX10 IV is 95 and 52 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing purely by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and RX10 IV.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FS42 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony RX10 IV will produce more detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older FS42 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.