Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS45

In this article, we will be matching up the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic ZS45, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and ZS45 (16MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and ZS45 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

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The S5 was introduced 5 years later than the ZS45 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the S5 scores against the ZS45 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S5 enjoys physical dimensions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") along with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic ZS45 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the S5 and the ZS45.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the S5 and ZS45 is 60 and 91 respectively.

Often, its tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing merely by checking out specifications. The visual here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the S5 and ZS45.

Plainly, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S5 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic S5 will produce extra detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger S5 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.