Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic LZ20

In this article, we are evaluating the Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic LZ20, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the FS7 (10MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the FS7 (1/2.5") and LZ20 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FS7 was introduced 4 years before the LZ20 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise view of how the FS7 matches up against the LZ20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS7 Gallery & Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS7 provides external dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ20 has measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic LZ20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the FS7 vs the LZ20.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS7 and LZ20 is 95 and 71 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements purely by looking through technical specs. The visual below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the FS7 and LZ20.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS7 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic LZ20 will result in extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The older FS7 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.