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Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5

Portability
68
Imaging
35
Features
40
Overall
37
Kodak EasyShare Z980 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 front
Portability
95
Imaging
38
Features
34
Overall
36

Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 Key Specs

Kodak Z980
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 64 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 26-624mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
  • 445g - 124 x 91 x 105mm
  • Revealed January 2009
Panasonic SZ5
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Bump to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 136g - 104 x 58 x 21mm
  • Announced July 2012
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Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 Overview

On this page, we are evaluating the Kodak Z980 versus Panasonic SZ5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Kodak and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the Z980 (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The Z980 was launched 4 years before the SZ5 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the Z980 matches up vs the SZ5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Kodak Z980 over the Panasonic SZ5

 Z980 SZ5 
Manually focus Very exact focusing

Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ5 over the Kodak Z980

 SZ5 Z980 
AnnouncedJuly 2012January 2009Newer by 43 months
Display resolution230k201kCrisper display (+29k dot)

Common features in the Kodak Z980 and Panasonic SZ5

 Z980 SZ5 
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display dimensions3"3"Equal display sizing
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen
Touch display Neither includes Touch display

Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 Physical Comparison

For those who are planning to travel with your camera, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Kodak Z980 features outer measurements of 124mm x 91mm x 105mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 4.1") with a weight of 445 grams (0.98 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ5 has measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Compare the Kodak Z980 versus Panasonic SZ5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the Z980 against the SZ5.

Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Z980 and SZ5 is 68 and 95 respectively.

Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 top view buttons comparison

Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 Sensor Comparison

Typically, it is difficult to picture the gap between sensor dimensions just by looking at technical specs. The image here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the Z980 and SZ5.

As you can tell, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic SZ5 to resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged Z980 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.

Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 sensor size comparison

Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 Screen and ViewFinder

Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Kodak Z980
Portrait photography with Panasonic SZ5
41
has manual focus
exports RAW files
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
34
good resolution (14 megapixels)
comes with face detect focusing
no manual focus
no manual control
no external flash support
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
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Street Comparison

Kodak Z980 Street photography advice
Panasonic SZ5 Street photography advice
54
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
exports RAW files
screen does not articulate
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
63
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition in class (136g)
no articulating screen
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Kodak Z980
Sports photography with Panasonic SZ5
34
excellent zoom range (26-624mm 24.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames/s)
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect auto focus
40
has image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
comes with tracking focus
continuous shooting slow (2.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Kodak Z980 as a Travel photography camera
Panasonic SZ5 as a Travel photography camera
51
built-in flash
decently wide (26mm)
great zoom (624mm)
doesn't have Time Lapse function
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
doesn't feature selfie friendly display
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
70
lighter than competition in class (136 grams)
good resolution (14MP)
built-in flash
relatively wide (25mm)
long reach (250mm)
doesn't have Timelapse function
doesn't have selfie friendly display
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
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Landscape Comparison

Kodak Z980 Landscape photography advice
Panasonic SZ5 Landscape photography advice
45
has manual focus
decently wide (26mm)
pretty good screen size (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
exports RAW files
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have Time Lapse function
42
relatively wide (25mm)
pretty good screen size (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14MP)
no manual focus
can't change lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
no manual control
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
doesn't have Timelapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Kodak Z980
Vlogging with Panasonic SZ5
23
decently wide (26mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
doesn't feature selfie friendly display
low video resolution (1280 x 720 resolution)
doesn't have external mic jack
32
relatively wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
comes with face detect focusing
lighter than competition in class (136g)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
doesn't have selfie friendly display
low res video (1280 x 720 resolution)
doesn't have microphone port
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Kodak Z980 vs Panasonic SZ5 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Kodak Z980 and Panasonic SZ5
 Kodak EasyShare Z980Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5
General Information
Brand Name Kodak Panasonic
Model type Kodak EasyShare Z980 Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Compact
Revealed 2009-01-05 2012-07-18
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 14 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 4000 x 3000 4320 x 3240
Maximum native ISO 6400 1600
Maximum boosted ISO - 6400
Lowest native ISO 64 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch to focus
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Total focus points 25 23
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 26-624mm (24.0x) 25-250mm (10.0x)
Maximal aperture f/2.8-5.0 f/3.1-5.9
Macro focusing distance 10cm 5cm
Focal length multiplier 5.9 5.9
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 3 inches 3 inches
Display resolution 201 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Display tech - TFT Screen LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 16 seconds 8 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shooting speed 1.0 frames per second 2.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes -
Change WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 6.30 m 5.60 m
Flash modes Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1280 x 720p ( 30,25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video file format Motion JPEG MPEG-4
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 445 grams (0.98 lb) 136 grams (0.30 lb)
Physical dimensions 124 x 91 x 105mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 4.1") 104 x 58 x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 250 pictures
Form of battery - Battery Pack
Battery ID 4 x AA -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC card, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots 1 1
Price at launch $249 $195