Panasonic FZ1000 vs Panasonic ZS5

The following is a complete overview of the Panasonic FZ1000 versus Panasonic ZS5, former is a Large Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the FZ1000 (20MP) and ZS5 (12MP) and the FZ1000 (1") and ZS5 (1/2.3") possess different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FZ1000 was introduced 4 years after the ZS5 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FZ1000 scores versus the ZS5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ1000 features outer dimensions of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") along with a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ1000 versus Panasonic ZS5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the FZ1000 and the ZS5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ1000 and ZS5 is 55 and 92 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by looking at specs. The pic here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ1000 and ZS5.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FZ1000 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FZ1000 will resolve greater detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The newer FZ1000 should have an edge in sensor technology.