Panasonic LUMIX DC-S5 IIX

Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.

Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.

The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.

The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.

Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.

The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.

The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.

The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.

The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.

Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.

Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.

Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.

Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.

The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.

Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.

In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.

The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.

Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.

The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.

Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.

How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.

A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.

Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.

A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.

External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.

GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.

Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.

Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.

Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.

A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.

Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.

Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.

Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.

Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.