• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S5100 advantages over Panasonic XS1

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    140 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away

Panasonic XS1 advantages over Nikon S5100

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 290 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S5100

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic XS1
Panasonic XS1
All XS1 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S640

Nikon S5100
Nikon S640
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S5100 vs Nikon S640

Panasonic XS1
Nikon S640
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • Wider angle lens
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic XS1 vs Nikon S640

Compared to Nikon S570

Nikon S5100
Nikon S570
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Nikon S5100 vs Nikon S570

Panasonic XS1
Nikon S570
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic XS1 vs Nikon S570

Compared to Olympus VG-120

Nikon S5100
Olympus VG-120
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Longer exposure
  • $121
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon S5100 vs Olympus VG-120

Panasonic XS1
Olympus VG-120
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $121
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Panasonic XS1 vs Olympus VG-120

Compared to Sony W610

Nikon S5100
Sony W610
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
  • $203
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S5100 vs Sony W610

Panasonic XS1
Sony W610
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer exposure
  • $203
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Panasonic XS1 vs Sony W610

Compared to Panasonic FH10

Nikon S5100
Panasonic FH10
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $107
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic FH10

Panasonic XS1
Panasonic FH10
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • $107
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compare Panasonic XS1 vs Panasonic FH10

Compare Other Cameras?