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Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20

Portability
60
Imaging
77
Features
92
Overall
83
Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 front
Portability
92
Imaging
38
Features
46
Overall
41

Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 Key Specs

Panasonic S5
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.0" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Push to 204800)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Leica L Mount
  • 714g - 133 x 97 x 82mm
  • Launched August 2020
  • Updated by Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic ZS20
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-480mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 206g - 105 x 59 x 28mm
  • Released April 2012
  • Alternative Name is Lumix DMC-TZ30
  • Older Model is Panasonic ZS15
  • Renewed by Panasonic ZS25
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Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 Overview

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.

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Reasons to pick Panasonic S5 over the Panasonic ZS20

 S5 ZS20 
ReleasedAugust 2020April 2012Fresher by 102 months
Manual focus More exact focus
Display typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Display resolution1840k460kClearer display (+1380k dot)
Selfie screen Easy selfies

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS20 over the Panasonic S5

 ZS20 S5 

Common features in the Panasonic S5 and Panasonic ZS20

 S5 ZS20 
Display dimension3.0"3"Identical display sizing
Touch display Easily navigate

Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 Physical Comparison

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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 size comparison

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

Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 Sensor Comparison

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.

Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 sensor size comparison

Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Panasonic S5
Portrait photography with Panasonic ZS20
86
you can focus manually
decent sensor resolution (24MP)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
has face detection focusing
saves RAW formats
30
good megapixels (14MP)
no manual focus
no external flash support
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
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Street Comparison

Panasonic S5 Street photography factors
Panasonic ZS20 Street photography factors
78
screen articulates
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
saves RAW formats
features focus via touch
environment proof
above average high ISO (51,200)
65
has image stabilization (Optical)
provides touch to focus
lighter than competitors in class (206g)
screen is fixed
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic S5 as a Sports photography camera
Panasonic ZS20 as a Sports photography camera
82
high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
silent shooting (1/8,000s)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
decent sensor resolution (24 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
has tracking autofocus
environment proof
does not have phase detect AF
47
incredible zoom range (24-480mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (14 megapixels)
offers tracking autofocus
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
not so great battery pack (260 per charge)
has no phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Panasonic S5 as a Travel photography camera
Panasonic ZS20 as a Travel photography camera
79
environment proof
has bluetooth
features focus via touch
decent sensor resolution (24 megapixels)
selfie friendly screen
68
lighter than competitors in class (206 grams)
provides touch to focus
good megapixels (14MP)
has built in flash
decently wide (24mm)
great zoom (480mm)
no Time Lapse recording
not so great battery pack (260 shots)
does not offer selfie friendly display
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Panasonic S5
Landscape photography with Panasonic ZS20
86
you can focus manually
change lenses (Leica L mount)
screen size is decent (3.0 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
decent sensor resolution (24 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
does not have low pass filter
above average high ISO (51,200)
saves RAW formats
environment proof
two card slots
42
decently wide (24mm)
screen is a good size (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (14MP)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
has no RAW format
not so great battery pack (260 per charge)
no Time Lapse recording
Photography Glossary

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic S5 as a Vlogging camera
Panasonic ZS20 as a Vlogging camera
79
selfie friendly screen
touchscreen capability
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
has face detection focusing
video resolution high (3840 x 2160 pxls)
comes with external mic socket
34
decently wide (24mm)
touch screen
has image stabilization (Optical)
good video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than competitors in class (206g)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
does not offer selfie friendly display
no external mic socket
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Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS20 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic S5 and Panasonic ZS20
 Panasonic Lumix DC-S5Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
General Information
Make Panasonic Panasonic
Model Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
Also called as - Lumix DMC-TZ30
Type Pro Mirrorless Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched 2020-08-14 2012-04-26
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 35.6 x 23.8mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 847.3mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 24 megapixels 14 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 6000 x 4000 4320 x 3240
Maximum native ISO 51200 6400
Maximum enhanced ISO 204800 -
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW support
Minimum enhanced ISO 50 -
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
AF continuous
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points 225 23
Lens
Lens mounting type Leica L fixed lens
Lens focal range - 24-480mm (20.0x)
Largest aperture - f/3.3-6.4
Macro focus range - 3cm
Number of lenses 31 -
Crop factor 1 5.9
Screen
Type of display Fully Articulated Fixed Type
Display size 3.0" 3"
Display resolution 1,840k dots 460k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic None
Viewfinder resolution 2,360k dots -
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.74x -
Features
Min shutter speed 60 secs 15 secs
Max shutter speed 1/8000 secs 1/2000 secs
Max quiet shutter speed 1/8000 secs -
Continuous shutter rate 7.0 frames per second 10.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range no built-in flash 6.40 m
Flash options Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync w/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Max flash synchronize 1/250 secs -
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps)
Maximum video resolution 3840x2160 1920x1080
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264, H.265 MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB Yes (can be charged with high-power laptop/tablet chargers or portable power banks) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 714 gr (1.57 pounds) 206 gr (0.45 pounds)
Dimensions 133 x 97 x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") 105 x 59 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 440 photos 260 photos
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage type SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots 2 Single
Cost at release $1,999 $349