Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic GF5

In this article, we are reviewing the Panasonic FZ70 versus Panasonic GF5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are produced by Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the FZ70 (16MP) and GF5 (12MP) and the FZ70 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FZ70 was released 16 months after the GF5 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summary of how the FZ70 matches up vs the GF5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ70 Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ70 features physical dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") having a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF5 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ70 versus Panasonic GF5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the FZ70 compared to the GF5.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ70 and GF5 is 63 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to picture the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The picture here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ70 and GF5.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FZ70 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic FZ70 will produce more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The more recent FZ70 provides an advantage in sensor tech.