Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony RX100 V

Following is a in depth overview of the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony RX100 V, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and RX100 V (20MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and RX100 V (1") enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS5 was introduced 7 years before the RX100 V which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 V being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the ZS5 matches up against the RX100 V in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Sony RX100 V Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 enjoys external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Sony RX100 V has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS5 vs Sony RX100 V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS5 and the RX100 V.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS5 and RX100 V is 92 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reviewing specs. The image below may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS5 and RX100 V.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS5 having a tinier sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Sony RX100 V will offer greater detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZS5 is going to be behind in sensor technology.