Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS30

On this page, we are matching up the Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS30, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and ZS30 (18MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and ZS30 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The S5 was introduced 7 years later than the ZS30 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the S5 matches up against the ZS30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S5 offers outside measurements of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS30 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the S5 and the ZS30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S5 and ZS30 is 60 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by checking specifications. The photograph here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the S5 and ZS30.

To sum up, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S5 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic S5 will give more detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The fresher S5 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.