Panasonic ZS5 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS5 versus Ricoh GR Digital IV, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Ricoh. The resolution of the ZS5 (12MP) and the GR Digital IV (10MP) is relatively comparable but the ZS5 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS5 was brought out 15 months earlier than the GR Digital IV which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the ZS5 grades vs the GR Digital IV with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 has outer dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Ricoh GR Digital IV has dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS5 versus Ricoh GR Digital IV in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS5 against the GR Digital IV.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and GR Digital IV is 92 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by seeing a spec sheet. The picture here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS5 and GR Digital IV.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS5 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS5 will provide extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.