Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS50

Here is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS50, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. The resolution of the GF5 (12MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is very well matched but the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ZS50 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

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The GF5 was released 3 years prior to the ZS50 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the GF5 grades against the ZS50 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF5 has outside dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS50 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the GF5 versus the ZS50.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the GF5 and ZS50 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF5 and ZS50.

Clearly, both of the cameras come with the identical resolution but different sensor sizing. The GF5 provides the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult. The older GF5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.