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Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W

Portability
95
Imaging
37
Features
34
Overall
35
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 front
 
Samsung HZ15W front
Portability
90
Imaging
34
Features
31
Overall
32

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Key Specs

Panasonic SZ5
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Increase to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 136g - 104 x 58 x 21mm
  • Introduced July 2012
Samsung HZ15W
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-240mm (F3.3-5.8) lens
  • 249g - 105 x 61 x 37mm
  • Released February 2009
  • Also referred to as WB550
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Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Overview

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the SZ5 (14MP) and the HZ15W (12MP) is relatively similar and both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ5 was announced 3 years after the HZ15W which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ5 scores versus the HZ15W with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ5 over the Samsung HZ15W

 SZ5 HZ15W 
ReleasedJuly 2012February 2009Newer by 42 months

Reasons to pick Samsung HZ15W over the Panasonic SZ5

 HZ15W SZ5 
Focus manually Dial precise focus
Screen resolution460k230kSharper screen (+230k dot)

Common features in the Panasonic SZ5 and Samsung HZ15W

 SZ5 HZ15W 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen size3"3"Same screen measurements
Selfie screen Neither comes with selfie screen
Touch screen Lacking Touch screen

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Physical Comparison

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ5 comes with exterior measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Samsung HZ15W has measurements of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ5 against the HZ15W.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W size comparison

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ5 and HZ15W is 95 and 90 respectively.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W top view buttons comparison

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Sensor Comparison

Normally, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specifications. The pic below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ5 and HZ15W.

Plainly, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Panasonic SZ5 to deliver more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The younger SZ5 should have a benefit in sensor tech.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W sensor size comparison

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Panasonic SZ5
Portrait photography with Samsung HZ15W
33
good megapixels (14 megapixels)
supports face detection focus
lack of manual focus
no manual control
cannot use external flash
sensor is small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
31
manual focus
provides face detection focusing
manual mode not possible
no external flash support
low megapixels (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
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Street Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 Street photography details
Samsung HZ15W Street photography details
63
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others (136 grams)
no articulating screen
sensor is small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
52
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
screen is fixed
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
more heavy than competitors (249g)
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 Sports photography highlights
Samsung HZ15W Sports photography highlights
39
has image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (14MP)
supports tracking autofocus
continuous shooting slow (2.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority
sensor is small (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect auto focus
27
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
no shutter priority mode
low megapixels (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Panasonic SZ5
Travel photography with Samsung HZ15W
70
lighter than others (136 grams)
good megapixels (14MP)
built-in flash
quite wide (25mm)
great reach (250mm)
no Timelapse function
display is not selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
54
flash built-in
rather wide (24mm)
lack of Timelapse recording
more heavy than competitors (249 grams)
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
slow max aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 Landscape photography advice
Samsung HZ15W Landscape photography advice
42
quite wide (25mm)
screen size is good (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
good megapixels (14MP)
lack of manual focus
can't switch lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
no manual control
sensor is small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
no Timelapse function
40
manual focus
rather wide (24mm)
screen is a decent size (3 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
can't change lenses (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f3.3)
manual mode not possible
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
lack of Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Panasonic SZ5
Vlogging with Samsung HZ15W
32
quite wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detection focus
lighter than others (136 grams)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
display is not selfie friendly
video quality not great (1280 x 720 resolution)
no external microphone socket
28
rather wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
provides face detection focusing
slow max aperture (f3.3)
screen is not selfie friendly
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pixels)
lack of external microphone port
more heavy than competitors (249g)
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Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic SZ5 and Samsung HZ15W
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5Samsung HZ15W
General Information
Manufacturer Panasonic Samsung
Model type Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 Samsung HZ15W
Alternate name - WB550
Category Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Compact
Introduced 2012-07-18 2009-02-23
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 14MP 12MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2
Highest Possible resolution 4320 x 3240 4000 x 3000
Maximum native ISO 1600 3200
Maximum enhanced ISO 6400 -
Minimum native ISO 100 80
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous AF
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points 23 -
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 25-250mm (10.0x) 24-240mm (10.0x)
Maximum aperture f/3.1-5.9 f/3.3-5.8
Macro focusing range 5cm 5cm
Crop factor 5.9 5.9
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 230k dot 460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Screen tech TFT Screen LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Min shutter speed 8 seconds 16 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/1600 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 2.0 frames/s -
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 5.60 m 4.70 m
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off, Red eye fix
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720p ( 30,25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps) 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30, 15 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video data format MPEG-4 Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 136 grams (0.30 lb) 249 grams (0.55 lb)
Physical dimensions 104 x 58 x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") 105 x 61 x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 250 photographs -
Type of battery Battery Pack -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 secs) Yes (10 sec, 2 sec, Double, Motion Timer)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SC/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus, internal
Storage slots One One
Price at release $195 $330