Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS45

In this article, we will be comparing the Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS45, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and ZS45 (16MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ZS45 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The GF5 was introduced 3 years earlier than the ZS45 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the GF5 matches up against the ZS45 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF5 comes with external measurements 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 ZS45 has measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS45 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the GF5 and the ZS45.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF5 and ZS45 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by researching specs. The image underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF5 and ZS45.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GF5 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS45 will render extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged GF5 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.