Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic GF7

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FZ100 and Panasonic GF7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both offered by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FZ100 (14MP) and the GF7 (16MP) is fairly close but the FZ100 (1/2.3") and GF7 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor measurements.

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The FZ100 was launched 5 years before the GF7 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the FZ100 scores versus the GF7 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery and Panasonic GF7 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ100 features exterior measurements of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) and the Panasonic GF7 has specifications of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FZ100 and Panasonic GF7 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FZ100 against the GF7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ100 and GF7 is 67 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements simply by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic below will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ100 and GF7.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FZ100 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GF7 will result in more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older FZ100 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.