Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony NEX-5

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic ZS50 and Sony NEX-5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZS50 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the ZS50 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS50 was announced 4 years after the NEX-5 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the ZS50 scores against the NEX-5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS50 has got physical measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS50 and Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS50 versus the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS50 and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specifications. The picture underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS50 and NEX-5.

Plainly, both of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS50 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-5 will give you greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots much more aggressively. The newer ZS50 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.