Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS7

The following is a complete analysis of the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZS7, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GF5 (12MP) and the ZS7 (12MP) is fairly close but the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ZS7 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The GF5 was unveiled 9 months after the ZS7 so they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the GF5 scores against the ZS7 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GF5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF5 provides external dimensions 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 ZS7 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZS7 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the GF5 compared to the ZS7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF5 and ZS7 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions just by looking through technical specs. The picture below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the GF5 and ZS7.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature the identical megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The GF5 uses the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field easier. The more modern GF5 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.