Panasonic S5 vs Sony NEX-5

Following is a extended analysis of the Panasonic S5 versus Sony NEX-5, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and NEX-5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The S5 was launched 10 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summary of how the S5 grades vs the NEX-5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic S5 provides outer 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) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic S5 versus Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the S5 compared to the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and NEX-5 is 60 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through a spec sheet. The pic here will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S5 and NEX-5.

Clearly, both cameras posses different megapixel count 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 result in extra detail utilizing its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The fresher S5 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.