Nikon AW110 vs Panasonic ZS5

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Nikon AW110 versus Panasonic ZS5, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the AW110 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The AW110 was announced 3 years later than the ZS5 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the AW110 scores vs the ZS5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix AW110 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are available at Nikon AW110 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon AW110 offers outer dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.0") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon AW110 versus Panasonic ZS5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the AW110 compared to the ZS5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the AW110 and ZS5 is 92 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specs. The visual below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the AW110 and ZS5.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Nikon AW110 to provide you with greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The fresher AW110 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.