• 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.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZS5 advantages over Nikon S9900

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lighter weight
    206g vs 289g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon S9900 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZS5

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More telephoto lens reach
    750 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 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
  • 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
  • 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

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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

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS5 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS3

Nikon S9900
Panasonic DMC-ZS3
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Lighter weight

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS3

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

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS5 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS7

Nikon S9900
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS7

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

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS5 vs Panasonic ZS10

Nikon S9900
Panasonic ZS10
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Lighter weight

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Panasonic ZS10

Compared to Sony HX50V

Panasonic DMC-ZS5
Sony HX50V
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS5 vs Sony HX50V

Nikon S9900
Sony HX50V
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Sony HX50V

Compared to Sony HX80

Panasonic DMC-ZS5
Sony HX80
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZS5 vs Sony HX80

Nikon S9900
Sony HX80
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S9900 vs Sony HX80

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