Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic GM5

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic GM5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FZ70 (16MP) and the GM5 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the FZ70 (1/2.3") and GM5 (Four Thirds) have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FZ70 was announced 14 months earlier than the GM5 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the FZ70 matches up against the GM5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FZ70 Gallery & Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ70 comes with physical dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Panasonic GM5 has measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic GM5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the FZ70 and the GM5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ70 and GM5 is 63 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by looking at technical specs. The image underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ70 and GM5.

As you have seen, both of the cameras provide the same megapixel count albeit different sensor sizes. The FZ70 has the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF harder. The more aged FZ70 is going to be behind in sensor technology.