Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic GM5

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic GM5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FZ100 (14MP) and the GM5 (16MP) is pretty similar but the FZ100 (1/2.3") and GM5 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FZ100 was revealed 5 years prior to the GM5 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FZ100 grades versus the GM5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery and Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ100 features outer dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) while the Panasonic GM5 has sizing of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic GM5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the FZ100 and the GM5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ100 and GM5 is 67 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements purely by going over specs. The photograph here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ100 and GM5.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ100 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic GM5 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older FZ100 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.