Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic ZS45

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic ZS45, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both are designed by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and ZS45 (16MP) but they use the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ300 was brought out 7 months later than the ZS45 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short overview of how the FZ300 scores vs the ZS45 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ300 comes with outer measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") along with a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS45 has proportions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic ZS45 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the FZ300 and the ZS45.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ300 and ZS45 is 59 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by reading technical specs. The graphic underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ300 and ZS45.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Panasonic ZS45 to deliver extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The younger FZ300 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.