Nikon AW130 vs Panasonic LS5
91 Imaging
40 Features
44 Overall
41


94 Imaging
37 Features
25 Overall
32
Nikon AW130 vs Panasonic LS5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-120mm (F2.8-4.9) lens
- 221g - 110 x 66 x 27mm
- Launched February 2015
- Older Model is Nikon AW120
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-130mm (F2.8-6.5) lens
- 126g - 97 x 62 x 27mm
- Released July 2011

Nikon AW130 vs Panasonic LS5 Overview
Here is a in-depth review of the Nikon AW130 and Panasonic LS5, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the AW130 (16MP) and the LS5 (14MP) is fairly close and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The AW130 was unveiled 3 years later than the LS5 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the AW130 matches up against the LS5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon AW130 vs Panasonic LS5 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix AW130 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5. The full galleries are available at Nikon AW130 Gallery and Panasonic LS5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon AW130 over the Panasonic LS5
AW130 | LS5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | February 2015 | ![]() | July 2011 | Fresher by 44 months |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer display (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic LS5 over the Nikon AW130
LS5 | AW130 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon AW130 and Panasonic LS5
AW130 | LS5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | No manual focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither features Touch friendly display |
Nikon AW130 vs Panasonic LS5 Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon AW130 enjoys external measurements of 110mm x 66mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Panasonic LS5 has measurements of 97mm x 62mm x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).
Look at the Nikon AW130 and Panasonic LS5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the AW130 vs the LS5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the AW130 and LS5 is 91 and 94 respectively.

Nikon AW130 vs Panasonic LS5 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing specs. The photograph here might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the AW130 and LS5.
All in all, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Nikon AW130 to provide you with more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more modern AW130 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon AW130 vs Panasonic LS5 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon AW130 vs Panasonic LS5 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix AW130 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix AW130 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 |
Class | Waterproof | Small Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2015-02-10 | 2011-07-21 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4320 x 3240 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 125 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 24-120mm (5.0x) | 26-130mm (5.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/2.8-4.9 | f/2.8-6.5 |
Macro focusing range | 1cm | - |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
Screen resolution | 921k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen tech | - | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 4s | 8s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/2000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 7.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.20 m (at Auto ISO) | 4.60 m |
Flash modes | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i ,50i, 30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (30p, 25p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 221 grams (0.49 lbs) | 126 grams (0.28 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 110 x 66 x 27mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") | 97 x 62 x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") |
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 | 370 photographs | 160 photographs |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | AA |
Battery ID | EN-EL12 | 2 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Launch cost | $398 | $294 |