Canon S120 vs Panasonic ZS5

Its time to look more closely at the Canon S120 and Panasonic ZS5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S120 (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is very well matched but the S120 (1/1.7") and ZS5 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S120 was brought out 3 years after the ZS5 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a concise summary of how the S120 matches up against the ZS5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot S120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The entire galleries are provided at Canon S120 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and size. The Canon S120 provides outer dimensions of 100mm x 59mm x 29mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 217 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check out the Canon S120 and Panasonic ZS5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the S120 versus the ZS5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S120 and ZS5 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S120 and ZS5.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature the identical megapixel count but different sensor dimensions. The S120 features the larger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The more recent S120 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.