Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS35

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZS35, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and ZS35 (16MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ZS35 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF5 was manufactured 21 months prior to the ZS35 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS35 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the GF5 scores versus the ZS35 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS35 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF5 comes with exterior dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS35 has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZS35 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the GF5 compared to the ZS35.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF5 and ZS35 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing just by reviewing specs. The photograph below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the GF5 and ZS35.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GF5 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZS35 will offer you more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older GF5 is going to be behind in sensor tech.