Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony NEX-5R

Below is a thorough overview of the Panasonic ZS45 versus Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS45 (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is very close but the ZS45 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS45 was released 2 years later than the NEX-5R and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick view of how the ZS45 scores vs the NEX-5R in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS45 features outer dimensions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS45 versus Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the ZS45 compared to the NEX-5R.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS45 and NEX-5R is 91 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by looking through specs. The photograph here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS45 and NEX-5R.

All in all, the 2 cameras come with the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The ZS45 uses the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier. The more modern ZS45 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.