Panasonic ZS7 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Let's take a deeper look at the Panasonic ZS7 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Ricoh. The image resolution of the ZS7 (12MP) and the GR Digital IV (10MP) is pretty close but the ZS7 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor size.

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The ZS7 was manufactured at a similar time to the GR Digital IV which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the ZS7 matches up against the GR Digital IV with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 & Ricoh GR Digital IV. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS7 comes with exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Ricoh GR Digital IV has measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS7 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS7 and the GR Digital IV.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS7 and GR Digital IV is 91 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through specifications. The graphic below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS7 and GR Digital IV.

To sum up, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS7 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS7 will result in greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively.