Panasonic S5 vs Sony A58

Following is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic S5 versus Sony A58, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the S5 (24MP) and the A58 (20MP) is relatively close but the S5 (Full frame) and A58 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S5 was brought out 6 years after the A58 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the S5 scores versus the A58 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Sony SLT-A58. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic S5 offers outside 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) and the Sony A58 has proportions of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") along with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S5 versus Sony A58 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the S5 versus the A58.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and A58 is 60 and 68 respectively.

Normally, its hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes just by viewing a spec sheet. The image below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the S5 and A58.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S5 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic S5 will render more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The fresher S5 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.