Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 was introduced in May 2009 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 was introduced in June 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 Highlights

      • 10.1 MP 1/2.5-inch CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 640 x 480 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2.3 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5.

      PROS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1300 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/2000 sec vs 1/1300 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.5 fps vs 2.3 fps

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1.

      Advantage of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1.

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5
      Larger Sensor 1/2.5-inch vs 1/2.33-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10.1 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 80
      Max Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 vs 4000 x 3000
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Higher Video Resolution 640 x 480 vs 1280 x 720
      Lighter 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz) vs 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO6,4006,400
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        Light229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)
        Internal Storage40 MB40 MB
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5
        Small Sensor1/2.5-inch1/2.33-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor10.1 Megapixel12.1 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points1111
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/1300 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting2.5 fps2.3 fps
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution640 x 4801280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen

      Screen

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 have 2.70" Fixed screens with 230k dot resolution.

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 features a 10.1 megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 5.744 x 4.308 mm and a total area of 24.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 20.8 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3648 x 2432, 3648 x 2056, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 2048, 3072 x 1728, 2560 x 1920, 2560 x 1712, 2560 x 1440, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480 with 16:9, 4:3, 3:2 aspect ratios. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 is equipped with Venus Engine HD II processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4176 x 2784 4320 x 2432, 3264 x 2448, 3392 x 2264, 3552 x 2000, 2560 x 1920, 2656 x 1768, 2784 x 1568, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer.


      Battery

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 comes with Lithium-Ion rechargeable & charger battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 has a single SD/MMC/SDHC card slot. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1, and up to 1/1300 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 can shoot continuously up to 2.3 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.30 m Auto ISO on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and 5.30 m on Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5..

      Physical Parameters

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 body has dimensions of 103 x 60 x 33 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.3") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 body has dimensions of 103 x 60 x 32 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.26"). Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 weighs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 weighs 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz).

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      103 mm

      60 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      103 mm

      60 mm

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      60 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      60 mm

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      Size comparisons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      POOR
      41
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      70
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and give both of them the score of 49 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      OVERALL
      49
      OVERALL
      49

      Sensor

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      POOR
      41
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1300 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.3 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      POOR
      41
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      71
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      BAD
      38
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      28
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

      Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5

      POOR
      48
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      POOR
      48
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 214 g (0.47 lb / 7.55 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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