Nikon P520 vs Panasonic S5

Following is a detailed review of the Nikon P520 and Panasonic S5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the P520 (18MP) and S5 (24MP) and the P520 (1/2.3") and S5 (Full frame) posses different sensor sizes.

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The P520 was unveiled 8 years prior to the S5 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the P520 scores vs the S5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P520 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The full galleries are provided at Nikon P520 Gallery and Panasonic S5 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon P520 has got outer dimensions of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") along with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) while the Panasonic S5 has specifications of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Look at the Nikon P520 and Panasonic S5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the P520 against the S5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the P520 and S5 is 66 and 60 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes just by reading through specs. The image here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the P520 and S5.

All in all, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The P520 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic S5 will give extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged P520 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.