Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic SZ1

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic GF5 versus Panasonic SZ1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The GF5 was announced 3 months later than the SZ1 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the GF5 scores versus the SZ1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF5 enjoys outer measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ1 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF5 versus Panasonic SZ1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GF5 vs the SZ1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF5 and SZ1 is 89 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reading specifications. The visual here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF5 and SZ1.

To sum up, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF5 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ1 will deliver more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively.