Panasonic GX85 vs Panasonic ZS5

Its time to take a closer look at the Panasonic GX85 vs Panasonic ZS5, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the GX85 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) and the GX85 (Four Thirds) and ZS5 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GX85 was introduced 5 years later than the ZS5 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GX85 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short view of how the GX85 matches up vs the ZS5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GX85 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic GX85 features outside measurements of 122mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GX85 vs Panasonic ZS5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the GX85 and the ZS5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GX85 and ZS5 is 83 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualize the difference in sensor measurements merely by viewing specifications. The photograph here might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GX85 and ZS5.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GX85 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic GX85 will render greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The more modern GX85 provides a benefit in sensor tech.