Nikon D5 vs Panasonic ZS15

On this page, we are comparing the Nikon D5 and Panasonic ZS15, one is a Pro DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the D5 (21MP) and ZS15 (12MP) and the D5 (Full frame) and ZS15 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The D5 was brought out 3 years after the ZS15 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Nikon D5 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the D5 grades vs the ZS15 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The entire galleries are available at Nikon D5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D5 has got outer measurements of 160mm x 158.5mm x 92mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 1415 grams (3.12 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS15 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon D5 and Panasonic ZS15 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the D5 and the ZS15.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the D5 and ZS15 is 50 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions purely by going through technical specs. The pic below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the D5 and ZS15.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The D5 featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Nikon D5 will show greater detail having its extra 9MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The younger D5 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.