Panasonic ZS25 vs Sony NEX-5

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZS25 and Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS25 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the ZS25 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS25 was launched 2 years later than the NEX-5 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS25 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the ZS25 scores versus the NEX-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS25 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS25 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS25 enjoys outer dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS25 and Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the ZS25 and the NEX-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS25 and NEX-5 is 93 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at specifications. The photograph below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS25 and NEX-5.

To sum up, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS25 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic ZS25 will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The younger ZS25 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.