Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic FZ1000

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic FZ1000, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Panasonic. The resolution of the S5 (24MP) and the FZ1000 (20MP) is very well matched but the S5 (Full frame) and FZ1000 (1") come with totally different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The S5 was announced 6 years later than the FZ1000 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the S5 matches up vs the FZ1000 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic S5 has external measurements of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ1000 has sizing of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") with a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Check the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic FZ1000 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the S5 and the FZ1000.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the S5 and FZ1000 is 60 and 55 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at specs. The photograph underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the S5 and FZ1000.

All in all, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S5 having a larger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Panasonic S5 will give you more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images far more aggressively. The more recent S5 will have an edge in sensor innovation.