Panasonic G5 vs Panasonic ZS5

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic G5 and Panasonic ZS5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the G5 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) and the G5 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

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The G5 was launched 2 years later than the ZS5 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the G5 scores vs the ZS5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic G5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic G5 has outer dimensions of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic G5 and Panasonic ZS5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the G5 vs the ZS5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the G5 and ZS5 is 74 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements just by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the G5 and ZS5.

Clearly, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The G5 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic G5 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more recent G5 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.