Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic GF5

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic GF5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both created by Panasonic. The resolution of the FZ100 (14MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is fairly close but the FZ100 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FZ100 was brought out 20 months prior to the GF5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief view of how the FZ100 grades versus the GF5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery & Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ100 has outer dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") along with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF5 has specifications of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic GF5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the FZ100 compared to the GF5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ100 and GF5 is 67 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing just by viewing specifications. The graphic below will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ100 and GF5.

To sum up, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FZ100 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic FZ100 will result in extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The older FZ100 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.