Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic ZS5

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic ZS5, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FS7 (10MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the FS7 (1/2.5") and ZS5 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

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The FS7 was announced 17 months before the ZS5 making them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the FS7 grades against the ZS5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FS7 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera often, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS7 offers exterior measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic ZS5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the FS7 vs the ZS5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FS7 and ZS5 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading through specs. The picture underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FS7 and ZS5.

All in all, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FS7 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic ZS5 will resolve more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images more aggressively. The more aged FS7 is going to be behind in sensor technology.