Leica C vs Panasonic ZS5

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Leica C and Panasonic ZS5, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Leica and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the C (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is relatively similar but the C (1/1.7") and ZS5 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The C was announced 3 years after the ZS5 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the C scores vs the ZS5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica C & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are available at Leica C Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Leica C enjoys physical dimensions of 103mm x 63mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Contrast the Leica C and Panasonic ZS5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the C vs the ZS5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the C and ZS5 is 92 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions only by going over specifications. The picture underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the C and ZS5.

To sum up, both the cameras offer the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The C uses the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The newer C is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.