Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS5

Lets take a deeper look at the Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS5, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both offered by Panasonic. The resolution of the GF5 (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is fairly close but the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GF5 was announced 22 months after the ZS5 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the GF5 matches up against the ZS5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera often, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF5 offers external measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the GF5 and the ZS5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF5 and ZS5 is 89 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes merely by researching specs. The pic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF5 and ZS5.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide the same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The GF5 uses the larger sensor which will make achieving bokeh easier. The more modern GF5 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.