Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony NEX-5

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony NEX-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS5 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively similar but the ZS5 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The ZS5 was released within a month of the NEX-5 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the ZS5 matches up vs the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS5 offers external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS5 versus the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS5 and NEX-5 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specifications. The graphic below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS5 and NEX-5.

Plainly, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS5 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony NEX-5 will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively.