Panasonic LF1 vs Panasonic LZ20

Here is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic LF1 vs Panasonic LZ20, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the LF1 (12MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the LF1 (1/1.7") and LZ20 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The LF1 was brought out 17 months later than the LZ20 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LF1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a simple view of how the LF1 matches up vs the LZ20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic LF1 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LF1 comes with physical measurements of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has dimensions of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") and a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic LF1 vs Panasonic LZ20 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the LF1 and the LZ20.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the LF1 and LZ20 is 92 and 71 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing purely by researching a spec sheet. The visual underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the LF1 and LZ20.

As you can see, both of those cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The LF1 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic LZ20 will provide you with more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The fresher LF1 provides an advantage in sensor tech.