Fujifilm S8500 vs Panasonic ZS5

Below is a complete overview of the Fujifilm S8500 versus Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals FujiFilm and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the Fujifilm S8500 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The Fujifilm S8500 was brought out 2 years later than the ZS5 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Fujifilm S8500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the Fujifilm S8500 matches up against the ZS5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Fujifilm FinePix S8500 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The entire galleries are viewable at Fujifilm S8500 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Fujifilm S8500 has got external dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 116mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 4.6") with a weight of 670 grams (1.48 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Contrast the Fujifilm S8500 versus Panasonic ZS5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the Fujifilm S8500 compared to the ZS5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Fujifilm S8500 and ZS5 is 61 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the Fujifilm S8500 and ZS5.

Clearly, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You can expect to see the Fujifilm S8500 to give extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger Fujifilm S8500 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.