Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W
95 Imaging
37 Features
34 Overall
35


90 Imaging
34 Features
31 Overall
32
Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Key Specs
(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
(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

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").

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.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 & Samsung HZ15W. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery & Samsung HZ15W Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ5 over the Samsung HZ15W
SZ5 | HZ15W | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | July 2012 | ![]() | February 2009 | Newer by 42 months |
Reasons to pick Samsung HZ15W over the Panasonic SZ5
HZ15W | SZ5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Sharper screen (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Panasonic SZ5 and Samsung HZ15W
SZ5 | HZ15W | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 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.
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.

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

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 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 vs Samsung HZ15W Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 | Samsung 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 |