Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic FZ47

Let's look closer at the Panasonic FX580 and Panasonic FZ47, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FX580 (12MP) and the FZ47 (12MP) is fairly similar and both cameras have the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FX580 was announced 3 years prior to the FZ47 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ47 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a brief summation of how the FX580 scores against the FZ47 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FX580 Gallery & Panasonic FZ47 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FX580 comes with physical measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ47 has proportions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 498 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FX580 and Panasonic FZ47 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the FX580 against the FZ47.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FX580 and FZ47 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by reviewing specifications. The visual below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FX580 and FZ47.

To sum up, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same exact megapixels so you can expect similar quality of photographs but you should really take the launch date of the products into consideration. The older FX580 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.