Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS20

Following is a extended overview of the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZS20, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Panasonic. The resolution of the GF5 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is very comparable but the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF5 was revealed about the same time to the ZS20 so they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the GF5 scores versus the ZS20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF5 offers outer measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZS20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the GF5 versus the ZS20.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the GF5 and ZS20 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to see the difference in sensor sizes simply by going through a spec sheet. The image underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF5 and ZS20.

As you can see, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GF5 having a larger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZS20 will produce greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively.