• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon D7100 advantages over Panasonic S5 II

  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Panasonic S5 II advantages over Nikon D7100

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    5.9K vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    2 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 5.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    200 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

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Buy the Panasonic S5 II

Review Excerpt

  • Solid, ergonomic body design; Stunning, highly detailed photos, thanks to 24.1MP sensor upgrade and removal of optical low-pass filter; Cool 1.3x crop mode extends reach to nearly 2x the full-frame equivalent; Records Full 1080p HD video at up to 30fps with full-time AF; Many pro-level features packed into a consumer-friendly body at reasonable price.

  • Shallow buffer that hampers continuous burst shooting; AF slightly slower than average for its class; No real-time aperture control while in Movie mode (among other quirks); More noticeable moire patterns and aliasing artifacts (but only found when shooting fabrics with strong, distinct patterns).

  • Read our Nikon D7100 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 70D

Nikon D7100
Canon 70D
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Canon 70D

Panasonic S5 II
Canon 70D
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash

Compare Panasonic S5 II vs Canon 70D

Compared to Pentax K-3

Nikon D7100
Pentax K-3
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Pentax K-3

Panasonic S5 II
Pentax K-3
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Panasonic S5 II vs Pentax K-3

Compared to Nikon D5300

Nikon D7100
Nikon D5300
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Nikon D5300

Panasonic S5 II
Nikon D5300
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • Internal flash

Compare Panasonic S5 II vs Nikon D5300

Compared to Nikon Z5

Nikon D7100
Nikon Z5
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Nikon Z5

Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z5
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Panasonic S5 II vs Nikon Z5

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Nikon D7100
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon D7100 vs Panasonic S5 IIX

Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • $2200
  • 35mm

Compare Panasonic S5 II vs Panasonic S5 IIX

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