Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic SZ5

Here is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic SZ5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Panasonic. The resolution of the FZ300 (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FZ300 was released 3 years later than the SZ5 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short view of how the FZ300 grades vs the SZ5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ300 provides outside dimensions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) while 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).

Compare the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic SZ5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the FZ300 vs the SZ5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ300 and SZ5 is 59 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by checking specs. The visual here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ300 and SZ5.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Panasonic SZ5 to resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer FZ300 will have an edge in sensor innovation.