• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Nikon S100 advantages over Panasonic GF5

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    18 mm vs 36 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Panasonic GF5 advantages over Nikon S100

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 150 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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  • Kit with 14-42mm Power Lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Small body pairs nicely with compact, retractable Power Zoom lens. Extremely fast autofocus. Worthwhile improvements in image quality. Touchscreen overlays can now be hidden.

  • LCD panel is prone to fingerprint smudges. Weak flash, and no hot shoe. Modest burst performance, and very limited buffer for raw shooting. Noise levels and dynamic range still lag competition.

  • Read our Panasonic GF5 Review

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm Z90

Nikon S100
Fujifilm Z90
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S100 vs Fujifilm Z90

Panasonic GF5
Fujifilm Z90
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • More pixels

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Fujifilm Z90

Compared to Pentax S1

Nikon S100
Pentax S1
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon S100 vs Pentax S1

Panasonic GF5
Pentax S1
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Pentax S1

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Nikon S100
Olympus E-PL3
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon S100 vs Olympus E-PL3

Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-PL3
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Olympus E-PL3

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Nikon S100
Panasonic GF3X
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon S100 vs Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF3X
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $750
  • 4/3

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic GF3X

Compared to Panasonic TS20

Nikon S100
Panasonic TS20
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $119
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Nikon S100 vs Panasonic TS20

Panasonic GF5
Panasonic TS20
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $119
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic TS20

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