Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic SZ5

Its time to examine more in depth at the Panasonic FS7 versus Panasonic SZ5, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are designed by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the FS7 (10MP) and SZ5 (14MP) and the FS7 (1/2.5") and SZ5 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FS7 was introduced 4 years earlier than the SZ5 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a concise view of how the FS7 grades vs the SZ5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS7 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS7 has outer measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") along with a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ5 has measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS7 versus Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FS7 against the SZ5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FS7 and SZ5 is 95 and 95 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FS7 and SZ5.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FS7 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic SZ5 will produce extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older FS7 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.