Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS1

Below, we will be matching up the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZS1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GF5 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is pretty close but the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GF5 was introduced 2 years after the ZS1 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the GF5 scores against the ZS1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF5 has got physical measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS1 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZS1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the GF5 and the ZS1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF5 and ZS1 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes simply by researching technical specs. The picture below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GF5 and ZS1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GF5 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic GF5 will render greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more modern GF5 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.