Panasonic LS5 vs Panasonic ZS100

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic LS5 and Panasonic ZS100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both are offered by Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the LS5 (14MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the LS5 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The LS5 was revealed 5 years before the ZS100 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LS5 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the LS5 matches up against the ZS100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LS5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LS5 features exterior dimensions of 97mm x 62mm x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS100 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LS5 and Panasonic ZS100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the LS5 against the ZS100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the LS5 and ZS100 is 94 and 87 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions only by checking specifications. The pic here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the LS5 and ZS100.

To sum up, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The LS5 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic ZS100 will give you more detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged LS5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.