• 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.)

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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

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Panasonic XS1

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 Canon A2300

Nikon S5100
Canon A2300
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon S5100 vs Canon A2300

Panasonic XS1
Canon A2300
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $93
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic XS1 vs Canon A2300

Compare Other Cameras?