Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic ZS8

Here is a in depth overview of the Panasonic S5 and Panasonic ZS8, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and ZS8 (14MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and ZS8 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The S5 was launched 9 years later than the ZS8 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a concise summary of how the S5 grades versus the ZS8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic S5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic S5 features 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) and the Panasonic ZS8 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic S5 and Panasonic ZS8 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the S5 compared to the ZS8.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and ZS8 is 60 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through specs. The photograph below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the S5 and ZS8.

All in all, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S5 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic S5 will resolve more detail utilizing its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The fresher S5 will have an edge in sensor innovation.