Panasonic ZS60 vs Sony NEX-5N

In this article, we will be contrasting the Panasonic ZS60 vs Sony NEX-5N, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS60 (18MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is pretty close but the ZS60 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZS60 was brought out 4 years after the NEX-5N which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS60 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the ZS60 matches up vs the NEX-5N with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS60 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS60 offers outer measurements of 112mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS60 vs Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS60 and the NEX-5N.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS60 and NEX-5N is 88 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through specs. The image underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS60 and NEX-5N.

All in all, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS60 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic ZS60 will result in greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The newer ZS60 should have an edge in sensor technology.