• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 250.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony NEX-5T advantages over Panasonic ZS100

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,015 vs 559 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Panasonic ZS100 advantages over Sony NEX-5T

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 11 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Compact camera body; versatile 10x zoom lens; relatively good high ISO performance; fast autofocus; many good 4K video and photo features.

  • Soft lens at longer focal lengths; no tilting display; small electronic viewfinder; slippery finish on the camera body.

  • Read our Panasonic ZS100 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-3N

Sony NEX-5T
Sony NEX-3N
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Sony NEX-3N

Panasonic ZS100
Sony NEX-3N
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS100 vs Sony NEX-3N

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Sony NEX-5T
Samsung NX1100
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Samsung NX1100

Panasonic ZS100
Samsung NX1100
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS100 vs Samsung NX1100

Compared to Sony A5000

Sony NEX-5T
Sony A5000
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Internal flash

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Sony A5000

Panasonic ZS100
Sony A5000
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic ZS100 vs Sony A5000

Compared to Sony RX100 VI

Sony NEX-5T
Sony RX100 VI
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $949
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Sony RX100 VI

Panasonic ZS100
Sony RX100 VI
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $949
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Panasonic ZS100 vs Sony RX100 VI

Compared to Sony RX100 VII

Sony NEX-5T
Sony RX100 VII
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sony NEX-5T vs Sony RX100 VII

Panasonic ZS100
Sony RX100 VII
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Panasonic ZS100 vs Sony RX100 VII

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