Panasonic S5 vs Sony RX10 IV

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Panasonic S5 vs Sony RX10 IV, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the S5 (24MP) and the RX10 IV (20MP) is pretty well matched but the S5 (Full frame) and RX10 IV (1") feature different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The S5 was introduced 2 years after the RX10 IV which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple summary of how the S5 matches up versus the RX10 IV with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic S5 has 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 Sony RX10 IV has sizing of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") having a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

See the Panasonic S5 vs Sony RX10 IV in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the S5 and the RX10 IV.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the S5 and RX10 IV is 60 and 52 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes purely by checking specs. The image below should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S5 and RX10 IV.

All in all, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S5 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic S5 will give more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The fresher S5 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.