Panasonic FX78 vs Panasonic GF5

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FX78 versus Panasonic GF5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are manufactured by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FX78 (12MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is very close but the FX78 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FX78 was launched 14 months earlier than the GF5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the FX78 scores versus the GF5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FX78 Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FX78 provides outside dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Panasonic GF5 has measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FX78 versus Panasonic GF5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the FX78 versus the GF5.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FX78 and GF5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to imagine the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX78 and GF5.

Clearly, the two cameras have got the exact same resolution but different sensor measurements. The FX78 contains the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field harder. The older FX78 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.