Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20

Here is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic ZS20, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and ZS20 (14MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and ZS20 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The S5 was revealed 8 years later than the ZS20 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the S5 scores versus the ZS20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic S5 features physical dimensions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS20 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic ZS20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the S5 vs the ZS20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S5 and ZS20 is 60 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing merely by researching technical specs. The visual here might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S5 and ZS20.

As you can tell, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S5 having a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic S5 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The fresher S5 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.