Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic ZS15

Here is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic ZS15, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Panasonic. The resolution of the FS7 (10MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is very well matched but the FS7 (1/2.5") and ZS15 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The FS7 was released 4 years before the ZS15 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the FS7 grades vs the ZS15 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FS7 Gallery and Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS7 has physical dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") along with a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS15 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic ZS15 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the FS7 vs the ZS15.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS7 and ZS15 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph here should provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS7 and ZS15.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS7 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS15 will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The older FS7 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.