Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS1

Following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic S5 and Panasonic ZS1, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Panasonic. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and ZS1 (1/2.5") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The S5 was revealed 11 years after the ZS1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the S5 scores vs the ZS1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S5 has outside dimensions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS1 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Panasonic S5 and Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the S5 compared to the ZS1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and ZS1 is 60 and 91 respectively.

Usually, its hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through specifications. The pic here may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the S5 and ZS1.

Plainly, both of those cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S5 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic S5 will render greater detail because of its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics much more aggressively. The fresher S5 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.