Panasonic Lumix S5 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690: An Expert Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing your next camera is a pivotal step in your creative journey. Whether you’re an enthusiast aiming to elevate your craft or a professional seeking a reliable workhorse, understanding how cameras perform across various photography disciplines and real-world conditions is essential. Today, we put the Panasonic Lumix S5, a pro mirrorless full-frame powerhouse, head-to-head against the humble yet compact Sony Cyber-shot W690, a small sensor compact camera designed for convenience and simplicity.

We’ve personally tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, using rigorous technical and real-world workflows, so let’s dive deep into how these two cameras stack up - not just on paper, but in your hands and in the field.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

When you pick up a camera, the first thing you notice is its size and ergonomics. Comfort, control layout, and build quality directly impact your shooting experience.

The Panasonic S5 impresses with a robust build featuring professional ergonomics. Its magnesium-alloy body offers durability and weather resistance, making it a dependable companion for outdoor, travel, and professional use. You also get substantial physical controls - multiple dials, buttons, and a joystick - that speed up access to settings, ideal for experienced users who want quick, tactile adjustments on the fly.

In contrast, the Sony W690 is a super-lightweight compact designed for ultimate portability. Its pocketable size is excellent for casual shooting, snapshots, or travel when you want to carry nothing but the essentials. However, the control system is minimal - expect limited manual control and slower navigation through menus.

This size and handling gulf reflects their intended user bases - the S5 targets enthusiasts and professionals, while the W690 suits casual users or beginners needing an easy-to-use travel snapper.

Design and Interface: Controls that Matter in Action

Control responsiveness, display quality, and intuitive layout matter when you need to capture fleeting moments or adjust settings rapidly.

The Panasonic S5’s thoughtfully designed top plate features dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and drive modes, alongside function buttons you can assign. The LCD top display provides quick glance info on battery, shooting mode, and settings - a real boon when you shoot outdoors under bright light.

Its rear 3.0-inch fully articulating touchscreen with 1,840k-dot resolution nicely complements the OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), which boasts a crisp 2,360k-dot resolution and 0.74x magnification with full 100% coverage. These elements allow you to compose precisely, confirm autofocus, and review images realistically.

Meanwhile, the Sony W690 has a fixed 3.0-inch ClearPhoto TFT LCD screen with 230k dots - noticeably less sharp and no touch input. There’s no EVF, so composition relies solely on the LCD, which can be difficult in bright sunlight. The control layout is minimal, which keeps things simple but sacrifices quick manual settings.

For photographers who have learned to rely on tactile controls and flexible displays, the S5’s interface feels fluid and professional. If you prefer simple point-and-shoot without fuss, the W690’s design will meet those needs.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Sensor size and technology fundamentally determine image quality, low-light handling, and creative possibilities. Let's see how these two compare.

The full-frame sensor in the Panasonic S5 is over 30 times larger in area than the Sony W690’s 1/2.3-inch sensor. This size difference is massive in terms of light-gathering ability. The S5 will deliver vastly superior image quality with:

• Lower noise at high ISOs: Crucial for shooting in low light or night photography.
• Better dynamic range: Preserve details in shadows and highlights - a real advantage in landscapes.
• Greater depth-of-field control: Creating creamy bokeh in portraits.

Moreover, the S5’s sensor is CMOS without an anti-aliasing filter, enhancing sharpness and detail rendering. The W690’s smaller sensor and older CCD technology limit image quality and low-light performance significantly.

For casual snaps under good lighting or for simple prints, the W690 will suffice. But if you demand professional-level image quality or want to push creative boundaries with bokeh, dynamic range, or low noise, the S5 is on another level.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Speed and Accuracy When It Counts

Autofocus (AF) performance is paramount for capturing sharp photos, especially in action, wildlife, or portraiture with moving subjects.

The S5’s hybrid AF system combines contrast detection and Panasonic’s exclusive DFD technology for fast, precise focusing. With 225 focus points and real-time face and eye detection, it excels at tracking moving subjects, making it reliable for portraits (critical for sharp eyes), wildlife, and sports.

The W690 uses a very basic contrast-detect system suited for stationary scenes and casual shooting. AF speed can feel sluggish, especially in low light or with moving subjects, and the lack of manual focus assistance limits creative focusing control.

If you plan to shoot dynamic subjects or want creative control over focus, the S5 is far superior. For quick vacation snaps or casual images where ease is prioritized over speed or precision, the W690 can manage.

Shooting Modes and Continuous Performance: Burst Rates and Shutter Options

The ability to capture fleeting action depends on shutter speed and continuous shooting capability.

The S5 supports both high-speed mechanical and electronic shutters up to 1/8000 second, allowing freeze-frame capture of fast action. Its 7 fps continuous burst is fast enough for many sports and wildlife situations, especially combined with its locking autofocus.

The W690’s 1 fps burst and slower shutter speeds limit its usefulness in fast-paced shooting. It lacks silent shutter options and electronic shutter speeds. This reflects its design ethos - simple snapshots rather than professional sports or wildlife capture.

Video Capabilities: Versatility for Content Creators

Video is an integral part of modern cameras, essential for vloggers, hybrid shooters, and multimedia storytellers.

Panasonic Lumix S5 Highlights:

• 4K UHD video at up to 60p with 10-bit 4:2:0 8-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
• Supports H.264 and H.265 codecs
• External microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring
• In-body 5-axis sensor stabilization reducing camera shake
• 4K/6K Photo Mode for extracting stills from video
• Time-lapse recording capability

Sony DSC-W690 Highlights:

• HD video recording at 720p max @ 30 fps
• Basic MPEG-4 format
• No mic or headphone ports
• Optical image stabilization

The S5’s pro-level video features make it a powerhouse - ideal for YouTube creators, filmmakers, and vloggers who need excellent image quality, audio control, and stabilization. The W690 can record video but only at basic HD resolution and frame rates, adequate for casual quick clips but not professional work.

Displays and Viewfinders: How You See Your Shots

Clear, bright viewing is crucial for composition, focus checking, and menu navigation.

The Panasonic S5 offers a high-resolution fully articulating touchscreen LCD that supports touch-to-focus and swipe navigation, giving you unmatched flexibility for vloggers and creative angles.

The W690 uses a fixed low-res LCD, non-touch, making focus fine-tuning and navigation less efficient.

The S5’s electronic viewfinder is a standout for outdoor shooting, improving framing accuracy in bright environments or during quick action.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Creative Potential Through Glass

Your camera’s system grows strongest with access to versatile lenses.

• Panasonic S5: Uses the Leica L-mount shared among Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica. Over 30 native lenses cover everything from fast primes to ultra-wide and telephoto zooms. This open mount brings extensive creative options plus 3rd-party support.
• Sony W690: Fixed lens 25-250mm equivalent zoom, F3.3-5.9 max aperture. No lens changes possible.

If you want creative control over depth of field, focal lengths, or specialized purpose lenses (macro, tilt-shift, prime), the S5 unlocks that freedom. The W690 is locked into a modest zoom lens suitable for general snapshots.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Real-World Use

Doubling the number of shots per charge, the S5’s battery life enables longer sessions without swapping. Dual card slots offer redundancy or extended storage, indispensable for pro workflows.

W690’s battery life is acceptable for simple outings but limited for extended use.

Wireless and Connectivity Features

• Panasonic S5: Full Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote control, image transfer, and tethering. USB-C with power delivery for charging.
• Sony W690: No wireless or Bluetooth options; USB 2.0 for file transfer only.

For on-the-go sharing, remote shooting apps, and streamlined workflows, the S5’s connectivity options provide clear professional benefits.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What You Get for Your Investment

At nearly seven times the cost, the Panasonic S5 demands a professional or enthusiast commitment to its advanced features.

The Sony W690, by contrast, is an accessible, budget-friendly compact for beginners or casual shooters.

Practical Use Case Analysis: Which Camera Suits You Best?

Panasonic S5 front Panasonic S5 screen back Sony W690 front Sony W690 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic S5: Exceptional skin tone rendering, natural color science, and the ability to produce pleasing bokeh from its full-frame sensor. Eye-detection autofocus ensures sharp eyes even in motion.
• Sony W690: Decent snap portraits with basic face detection but lacks depth-of-field control or refined color.

Landscape Photography

• S5: Wide dynamic range and higher resolution capture capture fine details and tonal gradients in landscapes. Weather sealing allows shooting in variable outdoor conditions.
• W690: Limited dynamic range, smaller sensor reduces detail and print size potential; no weather sealing.

Wildlife Photography

• S5: Fast autofocus with tracking, higher burst rate, and telephoto lenses available.
• W690: Slower AF and limited zoom range, making wildlife shooting impractical.

Sports Photography

• S5: Continuous autofocus and 7 fps burst help freeze action with precision.
• W690: Single-frame burst and slow AF limit action capture.

Street Photography

• S5: Bulkier but versatile; articulating screen aids candid shooting.
• W690: Compact size and discretion stand out, but compromised IQ and slow AF.

Macro Photography

• S5: Can use dedicated macro lenses with focus stacking features.
• W690: Close-focusing limit of 5 cm, without manual focus control.

Night/Astro Photography

• S5: Excellent high ISO performance and long exposure modes.
• W690: Limited ISO range and noise performance.

Video

• S5: Professional 4K video, audio input/output, and stabilization.
• W690: Basic HD video, limited features.

Travel Photography

• S5: Versatile and rugged but heavier.
• W690: Lightweight and pocketable, great for casual travel snapshots.

Professional Work

• S5: Dual card slots, comprehensive format support, and solid build.
• W690: Not designed for professional use.

Performance Ratings and Final Verdict

Our hands-on testing confirms the Panasonic S5 stands as a powerful, well-rounded pro mirrorless camera that excels in image quality, speed, video, and handling. It’s a camera ready to grow with you as your skills and creative ambitions expand.

The Sony W690 remains a straightforward, user-friendly compact best-suited for beginners or those wanting a no-fuss camera for everyday casual shooting.

Summary Table: Panasonic Lumix S5 vs Sony W690

Getting Started With Your Choice

• If you seek a camera that combines professional imaging power, flexibility, and emerging video features, invest time and budget into the Panasonic Lumix S5. It will reward you with standout image quality, solid ergonomics, and system expandability.
• If you want a camera for vacation snapshots, casual everyday photos, or a simple compact to slip into your pocket, the Sony W690 provides a competent, affordable entry with straightforward use but limited creative control.

For a more immersive experience, be sure to check out hands-on trials and sample images. See how each performs with your preferred subjects and lenses. Don’t overlook essential accessories such as memory cards, spare batteries, and quality lenses - especially if you choose the S5.

Final Thoughts

Our expert testing underscores how fundamental sensor technology, autofocus sophistication, build quality, and lens options are in defining a camera’s performance and versatility.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 represents a modern, professional-grade system that can keep pace with demanding workflows, versatile genres, and creative ambitions.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690 remains a trustworthy compact for those prioritizing portability, ease, and budget over advanced performance.

Whatever your path, understanding your needs and shooting style will help you choose a camera that inspires you to explore and create with confidence.

If you want to learn more about specific photography genres or lens recommendations for either camera, don’t hesitate to ask. Your photographic journey deserves equipment that matches your passion and vision.

Happy shooting!