Panasonic FX48 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Here, we will be looking at the Panasonic FX48 versus Ricoh GR Digital IV, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Panasonic and Ricoh. The image resolution of the FX48 (12MP) and the GR Digital IV (10MP) is pretty close but the FX48 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FX48 was revealed 3 years before the GR Digital IV which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the FX48 matches up against the GR Digital IV with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX48 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FX48 provides outside measurements of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Ricoh GR Digital IV has dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FX48 versus Ricoh GR Digital IV in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the FX48 vs the GR Digital IV.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FX48 and GR Digital IV is 95 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes merely by viewing specs. The picture below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FX48 and GR Digital IV.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FX48 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic FX48 will result in greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged FX48 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.