Panasonic GX7 vs Panasonic SZ5

Below, we will be reviewing the Panasonic GX7 versus Panasonic SZ5, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GX7 (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the GX7 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GX7 was unveiled 16 months after the SZ5 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GX7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the GX7 matches up versus the SZ5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GX7 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera often, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GX7 enjoys physical measurements of 123mm x 71mm x 55mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GX7 versus Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the GX7 versus the SZ5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GX7 and SZ5 is 81 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to see the gap between sensor sizes simply by checking specs. The image here should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GX7 and SZ5.

As you can plainly see, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GX7 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic GX7 will give more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The newer GX7 will have an edge in sensor tech.