Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic GF5

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic GF5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are built by Panasonic. The resolution of the FZ300 (12MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is very comparable but the FZ300 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The FZ300 was unveiled 3 years later than the GF5 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the FZ300 scores vs the GF5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery & Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ300 features outside measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") and a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) while the Panasonic GF5 has sizing of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic GF5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the FZ300 vs the GF5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ300 and GF5 is 59 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through technical specs. The visual below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ300 and GF5.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The FZ300 has the smaller sensor which will make getting shallow DOF more difficult. The more recent FZ300 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.