Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic SZ7

Below, we are reviewing the Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic SZ7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GF5 (12MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is fairly similar but the GF5 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The GF5 was revealed 3 months later than the SZ7 and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summary of how the GF5 grades against the SZ7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GF5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF5 has got outside dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ7 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic SZ7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the GF5 compared to the SZ7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF5 and SZ7 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Typically, its tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over specifications. The visual underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF5 and SZ7.

To sum up, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GF5 with its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic SZ7 will deliver extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos much more aggressively.