Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS50

Following is a extended review of the Panasonic S5 and Panasonic ZS50, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and ZS50 (12MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and ZS50 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The S5 was released 5 years after the ZS50 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the S5 grades vs the ZS50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic S5 has got exterior measurements of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS50 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic S5 and Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the S5 against the ZS50.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and ZS50 is 60 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes just by reviewing technical specs. The pic below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the S5 and ZS50.

As you have seen, both the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S5 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic S5 will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The younger S5 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.