• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 750.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZS5 advantages over Nikon S9700

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon S9700 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZS5

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    750 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.9 fps vs 2.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    5 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS3

Panasonic DMC-ZS5
Panasonic DMC-ZS3
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
Nikon S9700
Panasonic DMC-ZS3
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS7

Panasonic DMC-ZS5
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
Nikon S9700
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Panasonic ZS10

Panasonic DMC-ZS5
Panasonic ZS10
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon S9700
Panasonic ZS10
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Sony WX500

Panasonic DMC-ZS5
Sony WX500
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Nikon S9700
Sony WX500
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony HX90V

Panasonic DMC-ZS5
Sony HX90V
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon S9700
Sony HX90V
  • $590
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Compare Other Cameras?