Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS100

In this article, we will be contrasting the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic ZS100, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both are offered by Panasonic. The image resolution of the S5 (24MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is pretty close but the S5 (Full frame) and ZS100 (1") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The S5 was launched 4 years later than the ZS100 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the S5 matches up versus the ZS100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S5 offers external dimensions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

See the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic ZS100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the S5 vs the ZS100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and ZS100 is 60 and 87 respectively.

Typically, its tough to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements only by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the S5 and ZS100.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S5 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic S5 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The younger S5 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.