Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic ZS1 and Sony NEX-5 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic ZS1 has external dimensions of 103 x 60 x 33 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.3″) and weighs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz) (including batteries). Sony NEX-5 has external dimensions of 111 x 59 x 38 mm (4.37 x 2.32 x 1.5″) and weighs 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS1 and Sony NEX-5. Panasonic ZS1 is 8mm narrower and 5mm thinner than Sony NEX-5 but it is also 1mm taller. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic ZS1 has a built-in lens but Sony NEX-5 doesn't. Once you put a lens on NEX-5, its thickness will increase significantly.
![Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony NEX-5 Camera Size Comparison - Front View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS1 and Sony NEX-5 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS1 and Sony NEX-5.
![Panasonic ZS1 vs Sony NEX-5 Camera Size Comparison - Back View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS1 and Sony NEX-5 Size and Weight - Back View
Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic ZS1 is significantly lighter (58g ) than the Sony NEX-5 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on NEX-5, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (Lumix DMC-TZ6) nor Sony Alpha NEX-5 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Sony NEX-5's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic ZS1's 2.7" screen.
In addition to the size advantage, Sony NEX-5 LCD screen also has a
Tilting feature where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels. On the other hand, Panasonic ZS1 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to NEX-5.