Panasonic ZS100 vs Panasonic ZS5

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic ZS100 versus Panasonic ZS5, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and ZS5 (12MP) and the ZS100 (1") and ZS5 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS100 was revealed 5 years after the ZS5 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the ZS100 matches up against the ZS5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS100 has got outer measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS100 versus Panasonic ZS5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS100 and the ZS5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS100 and ZS5 is 87 and 92 respectively.

Typically, its tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through specs. The picture underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS100 and ZS5.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS100 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS100 will give you more detail because of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more recent ZS100 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.