Panasonic FZ200 vs Panasonic L1

Below is a complete analysis of the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic L1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the FZ200 (12MP) and L1 (7MP) and the FZ200 (1/2.3") and L1 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FZ200 was brought out 5 years later than the L1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the FZ200 matches up against the L1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery and Panasonic L1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ200 has got physical measurements of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Panasonic L1 has specifications of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic L1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the FZ200 versus the L1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ200 and L1 is 65 and 65 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to picture the contrast in sensor measurements just by going through specs. The photograph underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ200 and L1.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ200 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic FZ200 will show more detail having its extra 5MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics much more aggressively. The more recent FZ200 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.