Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony NEX-5

Here is a in-depth review of the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony NEX-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS3 was unveiled 12 months before the NEX-5 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the ZS3 grades versus the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS3 comes with outside measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS3 compared to the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS3 and NEX-5 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading specifications. The visual below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS3 and NEX-5.

Plainly, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS3 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5 will deliver greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older ZS3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.