Panasonic FZ200 vs Panasonic ZS45

The following is a extended review of the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic ZS45, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both of them are built by Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap among the resolutions of the FZ200 (12MP) and ZS45 (16MP) but they feature the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ200 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the ZS45 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the FZ200 matches up against the ZS45 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery & Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ200 comes with outside measurements of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") along with a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has specifications of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ200 and Panasonic ZS45 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the FZ200 vs the ZS45.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ200 and ZS45 is 65 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to envision the gap in sensor dimensions purely by researching technical specs. The picture here should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ200 and ZS45.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same resolution. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZS45 to render extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FZ200 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.