Nikon P7000 vs Panasonic ZS5

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Nikon P7000 versus Panasonic ZS5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the P7000 (10MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is relatively similar but the P7000 (1/1.7") and ZS5 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

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The P7000 was released 6 months later than the ZS5 and they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the P7000 grades vs the ZS5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P7000 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The complete galleries are available at Nikon P7000 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon P7000 has exterior measurements of 114mm x 77mm x 45mm (4.5" x 3.0" x 1.8") having a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon P7000 versus Panasonic ZS5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the P7000 vs the ZS5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the P7000 and ZS5 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic below should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the P7000 and ZS5.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The P7000 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS5 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively.