Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic S3

Following is a extended comparison of the Panasonic S5 and Panasonic S3, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both designed by Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and S3 (14MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and S3 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The S5 was announced 9 years after the S3 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the S5 matches up against the S3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S5 has physical dimensions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") along with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic S5 and Panasonic S3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the S5 against the S3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and S3 is 60 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes merely by checking out technical specs. The image here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S5 and S3.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S5 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic S5 will provide greater detail with its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern S5 will have a benefit in sensor technology.