Panasonic ZS35 vs Sony HX5: Expert Guide To Choosing Your Next Compact Camera

Choosing the right compact camera is crucial whether you’re embarking on a travel adventure, honing your craft in varied photography genres, or simply want a capable pocket-friendly option that delivers quality images. Today we dive deep into two popular compact cameras from the early 2010s with a dedicated superzoom edge: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35 (ZS35) versus the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 (HX5).

Each model packs unique strengths and compromises. Having personally tested thousands of cameras, I’ll guide you through every practical aspect - from sensor performance to ergonomics - to help you decide which fits your photography style and budget.

Getting a Feel: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

Your camera's physical handling will impact how often you take it out and how easily you frame your shots under varied conditions.

As you can see, the Panasonic ZS35 is bulkier and heavier, largely due to its superzoom design that extends to 480mm focal length equivalent. Meanwhile, the Sony HX5 remains lighter and sleeker, offering excellent one-handed portability. For travel photographers valuing discretion and easy carry, HX5 will likely feel less intrusive.

The Panasonic’s tilting screen is a definite advantage - facilitating low angle or high angle shots on the fly, which you don’t get on the Sony. While both have a 3” screen, the ZS35 offers higher resolution at 460k dots versus HX5’s modest 230k dots. This influences how confidently you can check sharpness or exposure directly on the rear screen in bright outdoor conditions.

Ergonomically, the ZS35 offers more control options and a more pronounced grip area, helpful for longer shooting sessions especially with the heavy zoom engaged.

The Heart of Image Quality: Sensor and Optics

At the core of every camera is the sensor shaping your image output. Let’s compare their specs:

Sensor Technology Differences
While both cameras use small sensors around the 1/2.3" size category - a common choice in compacts - the Sony employs a BSI-CMOS sensor. Back-side illumination technology helps to capture more light per pixel, improving low-light performance compared to traditional CMOS in Panasonic’s ZS35.

Yet, Panasonic pushes a higher megapixel count (16MP vs 10MP), enabling more detailed images when shooting in good light especially for landscape or print photography.

Lens Considerations
Panasonic’s brighter zoom range extends to a powerful 20x magnification with a slightly better maximum aperture at the wide end (F3.3 vs F3.5). This makes it ideal for wildlife or sports enthusiasts desiring that extra reach without switching lenses. However, this also means that at the telephoto end (480mm), the lens gets quite slow (F6.4 max aperture), potentially hindering performance in dimmer settings.

Sony’s HX5 balances a shorter but still respectable 10x zoom with a marginally faster aperture peak. Its lens performs well for street and travel photography within moderate zoom needs, while allowing slightly better low light control at its longest focal lengths.

Picture Quality & Real-World Shooting Performance

Having tested both cameras extensively, let’s break down how they perform in various photography styles.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic ZS35:
  The higher resolution sensor helps in capturing fine details such as skin textures and eyes. Face detection autofocus system performs well, though no dedicated eye-detection AF is present. The 20x zoom capability can produce nice background blur at longer focal lengths, though the smaller sensor limits depth of field creativity. Optical image stabilization (OIS) aids in sharp handheld portrait shots.

• Sony HX5:
  Lower resolution results in softer skin detail comparatively. Face detection autofocus is absent, making focusing on subjects less reliable for portraits. The smaller 10x zoom and slightly slower lens offer less potential for isolating subjects from background. OIS works effectively but less so at longer focal lengths.

In summary, for casual portraits, Panasonic's ZS35 provides sharper images and better subject recognition. But for studio portraiture or artistic bokeh, neither camera can compete with larger sensor systems.

Landscape and Travel Photography

For landscapes, factors such as dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing matter.

• Panasonic ZS35:
  Its higher megapixel count delivers more detailed landscapes. The dynamic range is average for the class, limited slightly by the small sensor. The tilting screen enables creative shooting angles for dramatic compositions. But no weather sealing limits rugged outdoor use.

• Sony HX5:
  Lower resolution means less detail, but the BSI sensor gains in low-light shadows and mid-tones, occasionally capturing more balanced exposures. Fixed screen is less flexible for composition. No weather sealing; smaller size favors travel ease.

Both cameras lack weather resistance and RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility and harsh condition shooting. However, their pocketable sizes and long zooms make them excellent travel companions for walk-around landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These genres demand fast autofocus, high burst rates, and telephoto reach.

The Panasonic ZS35 clearly wins here with a longer zoom and advanced AF tracking to maintain focus on moving subjects like birds or players. Its 10 fps continuous shooting is practical for short action bursts. Sony HX5’s AF is more basic with no tracking, and it has significantly lower telephoto reach.

Street Photography

Street shooting demands discretion, fast handling, and effective low-light control.

• Sony HX5:
  Lighter, smaller, and more pocketable - ideal for candid street shooting or city wanderers. Lower maximum ISO starts at 125, meaning slightly less noise at base sensitivity but also less flexibility in very dark conditions. Fixed screen and limited zoom constrain composition options.

• Panasonic ZS35:
  Bulkier, which could draw attention, but the tilting LCD is advantageous for shooting from waist level. Higher ISO ceiling gives you more low-light shooting ability, particularly indoors or at dusk. The 20x zoom allows stealthy shooting from a distance without disturbing subjects.

For street photographers prioritizing stealth and mobility, Sony wins. For those wanting more creative control via zoom and angles, Panasonic stands out.

Macro Photography

• Panasonic ZS35:
  Macro focusing starts from 3cm - a very close working distance allowing detailed insect or flower shots. Image stabilization supports handheld macro shots eliminating much blur.

• Sony HX5:
  Macro minimum distance is 5cm, a bit further but still usable for close-up shots. No continuous AF makes focusing slightly more challenging during macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

These genres require excellent high ISO performance and special exposure modes.

• Panasonic ZS35:
  Max native ISO is 3200 with a boosted ISO of 6400, but noise is strong at those settings given the sensor size. No RAW support limits post-shot noise reduction. No dedicated astro modes. Optical image stabilization helps with handheld night shots.

• Sony HX5:
  Max ISO 3200 native, no boost. Using BSI-CMOS helps keep noise down, but small sensors present limits in deep night performance. No RAW support and no astro features.

In both cases, neither camera is ideal for serious night sky shooting or long exposures, but they allow casual low-light photography with some limitations.

Video Capabilities

Sony offers smoother 1080p video at 60 fps compared to Panasonic’s 30 fps cap, useful for capturing action or slow-motion clips. Both lack external mic inputs, limiting audio enhancement options for vloggers or professionals.

User Experience: Controls, Interface, and Connectivity

Handling and Controls

Both cameras lack manual focus dials, relying on digital menus for manual control. Panasonic includes shutter and aperture priority modes, unlike Sony which omits shutter priority. Exposure compensation is available on both.

The Panasonic’s control layout is more modern and ergonomic with dedicated mode dials, while the Sony sticks to a simpler approach catering to beginners.

LCD and Viewfinder

LCD comparison:

Panasonic’s bright, tilt-enabled screen with higher resolution delivers a distinct usability edge. Sony’s fixed, lower-res screen can feel limiting outdoors.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder - potentially a downside if you prefer eye-level framing in bright daylight.

Battery and Storage

Battery lives are modest and variable due to limited data available. Panasonic uses an unspecified battery, while Sony fits the NP-BG1 - a well-known but now aging portable battery type.

Both use single SD card slots (Sony optional Memory Stick support) and accept SDHC/SDXC cards, offering standard storage flexibility.

Wireless and Connectivity

Panasonic has wireless connectivity built-in (likely WiFi), assisting direct image transfers and remote control options. Sony HX5 does not offer wireless features but includes GPS geotagging beneficial for travel photo organization.

Both cameras provide HDMI and USB 2.0 ports but lack microphone jacks or modern USB-C.

Value and Price-to-Performance

Both cameras are discontinued models but available in secondary markets. The Panasonic commands a higher price due to enhanced zoom and features.

Considering performance, the Panasonic offers better versatility and image quality, particularly for enthusiasts wanting a superzoom, while Sony appeals for simpler, lightweight usage.

Performance Summary and Scoring

• Image Quality: Panasonic leads moderately due to higher resolution and zoom range.
• Autofocus: Panasonic excels with AF tracking and face detection.
• Video: Sony provides smoother 1080p 60fps capability.
• Handling: Panasonic’s ergonomics and tilting screen provide more control.
• Portability: Sony shines with a lighter, smaller footprint.
• Battery and Connectivity: Panasonic’s wireless features add value; Sony includes GPS.

How They Rate Across Photography Genres

• Portrait: Panasonic edges higher, especially for clarity and focus.
• Landscape: Panasonic favored, thanks to more resolution and flexible screen.
• Wildlife & Sports: Panasonic's zoom and AF system outperform Sony’s.
• Street: Sony favored for discretion and compactness.
• Macro: Panasonic leads with closer focusing distance.
• Night/Low Light: Slight edge to Sony’s BSI sensor but both limited.
• Video: Sony wins with 60fps Full HD.
• Travel: Competing strengths - Panasonic for zoom versatility, Sony for portability.
• Professional: Neither is ideal; lack of RAW and advanced controls hold back.

Exploring the Creativity: Sample Images

Looking at shots from both cameras under identical settings reveals the practical differences:

Panasonic ZS35 front Panasonic ZS35 screen back Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back

• Panasonic exhibits finer details in daylight images thanks to higher MP.
• Sony’s files show less noise in shaded areas.
• Panasonic’s zoom allows closer framing of distant subjects.
• Both produce vivid color but Panasonic's auto white balance feels more consistent thanks to bracketing options.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Style?

Choose Panasonic ZS35 if you:

• Want a versatile superzoom (20x) for wildlife, sports, or travel.
• Value a tilting high-resolution screen for creative shooting angles.
• Need more megapixels for landscape or print work.
• Appreciate wireless connectivity for fast sharing.
• Don’t mind a slightly larger and heavier device.

Choose Sony HX5 if you:

• Prioritize a small, light, discreet camera for street and casual photography.
• Want 1080p video with smooth 60fps playback.
• Need built-in GPS to geo-tag your travel images.
• Are okay with lower zoom reach and simpler controls.
• Value battery life and operation simplicity.

Recommendations for Next Steps

• Try before you buy: Nothing replaces holding these cameras in your hands. Test their grip and navigation.
• Get the right accessories: Spare batteries, decent SD cards, and a protective case will enhance your shooting experience.
• Think about your photography goals: Identify if zoom reach or portability matters most.
• Consider used camera markets: Both models have depreciated; quality used units offer excellent value.
• Plan for future upgrades: No RAW support or weather sealing means you may want to step up eventually if you outgrow compact limits.

In conclusion, the Panasonic ZS35 pushes more creative boundaries with its zoom and controls, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts and travelers who want one camera that covers many scenarios. The Sony HX5 keeps things simple and light, perfect for those seeking an easy-to-use, pocketable solution with capable video and GPS features.

Whichever you choose, both models demonstrate how compact cameras can still deliver meaningful photography experiences in a very friendly and accessible format.

Happy shooting - embrace your creative journey and keep exploring the world through your lens!

End of Review