Panasonic FX78 vs Panasonic GH4

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic FX78 versus Panasonic GH4, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless and they are both built by Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the FX78 (12MP) and GH4 (16MP) and the FX78 (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The FX78 was brought out 4 years before the GH4 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the FX78 matches up vs the GH4 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FX78 Gallery and Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FX78 has external 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) and the Panasonic GH4 has measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") having a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FX78 versus Panasonic GH4 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the FX78 versus the GH4.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FX78 and GH4 is 95 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing only by seeing specifications. The graphic below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FX78 and GH4.

To sum up, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FX78 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GH4 will show extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older FX78 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.