Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZS1 and Sony NEX-5N, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and NEX-5N (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The ZS1 was unveiled 3 years before the NEX-5N and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the ZS1 matches up against the NEX-5N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS1 enjoys outer dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS1 and Sony NEX-5N in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS1 vs the NEX-5N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and NEX-5N is 91 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by seeing specifications. The photograph here may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS1 and NEX-5N.

To sum up, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS1 with its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Sony NEX-5N will produce greater detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older ZS1 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.