Panasonic S5 vs Pentax RZ10

Below is a detailed comparison of the Panasonic S5 versus Pentax RZ10, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and RZ10 (14MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and RZ10 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S5 was introduced 9 years later than the RZ10 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the S5 scores versus the RZ10 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 & Pentax Optio RZ10. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic S5 Gallery & Pentax RZ10 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S5 offers outside dimensions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ10 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic S5 versus Pentax RZ10 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the S5 versus the RZ10.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and RZ10 is 60 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualize the difference in sensor measurements merely by researching a spec sheet. The visual underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the S5 and RZ10.

As you can see, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The S5 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic S5 will render extra detail using its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more modern S5 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.