Panasonic FZ1000 vs Panasonic SZ5

Here is a extended overview of the Panasonic FZ1000 vs Panasonic SZ5, former being a Large Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Panasonic. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the FZ1000 (20MP) and SZ5 (14MP) and the FZ1000 (1") and SZ5 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FZ1000 was announced 24 months later than the SZ5 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the FZ1000 grades against the SZ5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ1000 has outside dimensions of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") with a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FZ1000 vs Panasonic SZ5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the FZ1000 vs the SZ5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ1000 and SZ5 is 55 and 95 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing just by going through a spec sheet. The visual below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ1000 and SZ5.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FZ1000 having a larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic FZ1000 will provide extra detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics more aggressively. The more modern FZ1000 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.