Canon S100 vs Panasonic ZS45

In this write-up, we are looking at the Canon S100 versus Panasonic ZS45, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the S100 (12MP) and ZS45 (16MP) and the S100 (1/1.7") and ZS45 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The S100 was introduced 4 years before the ZS45 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the S100 matches up versus the ZS45 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot S100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon S100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Canon S100 provides outer dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has sizing of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Canon S100 versus Panasonic ZS45 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the S100 against the ZS45.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S100 and ZS45 is 93 and 91 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing specs. The image underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S100 and ZS45.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The S100 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS45 will offer you greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged S100 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.