Casio EX-ZR1000 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1: A Hands-On Comparison for Practical Buyers

If you’re in the market for a compact camera with superzoom capabilities - maybe as a backup, travel companion, or just a modest upgrade to your smartphone - you’ve probably come across these two contenders from the early 2010s: the Casio EX-ZR1000 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1. Though both fall into the small sensor compact category, they come at different price points, offer distinct feature sets, and target slightly varied users.

Having spent years testing hundreds of cameras and scrutinizing image quality, autofocus systems, usability, and real-world performance, I’m here to share a thorough comparison to help you decide which one might better fit your photography needs (or your budget). Let’s dive in.

Putting Size and Ergonomics on the Table

Before you even hit the shutter, how a camera feels in your hands sets the tone for your shooting experience. The EX-ZR1000 is larger and chunkier, weighing a solid 255 grams, while the Panasonic S1 is significantly lighter and more pocketable at just 117 grams.

Those extra grams on the Casio translate into better grip, more comfortable button placement, and a heftier presence that inspires confidence during longer shoots. It’s not a bulky DSLR by any means, but you can definitely hold it steadily when zooming in on distant subjects.

On the flip side, the Panasonic’s slim profile and lightweight design make it a natural choice for street photographers or enthusiasts who hate feeling weighed down. However, the reduced size means smaller buttons and a bit less tactile feedback, which could be a frustration if you like to operate your camera mostly by feel.

The top view also reveals some key control differences:

The EX-ZR1000 provides dedicated dials for aperture and shutter priority - true photographer’s clubs for thumbs. The Panasonic curveballs you with no manual exposure modes at all, appealing instead to beginners or casual shooters comfortable with fully automatic operation. Buttons on the Casio are more strategically placed and named, while the Panasonic keeps it minimalistic.

Practical takeaway: If comfortable handling and manual control excite you, the Casio wins here. If portability and simplicity are more your speed, Panasonic’s petite body might charm you.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

As a gear reviewer, I’m constantly reminded that sensor size and quality, along with imaging processor muscle, are pivotal in real-world image output. Both these cameras sport tiny 1/2.3-inch sensors - the kind you'd expect in point-and-shoot compacts rather than prosumer compacts or mirrorless systems. Yet, there are subtle differences that matter.

The Casio EX-ZR1000 features a 16MP CMOS sensor paired with the advanced EXILIM Engine HS 3 processor. It benefits from faster readout speeds and (importantly) sensor-shift image stabilization. Panasonic's S1 uses a 12MP CCD sensor with the Venus Engine IV processor, relying on optical image stabilization.

Though neither sensor will blow your mind with dynamic range or ISO latitude, the Casio pulls ahead marginally due to its CMOS tech that tends to handle noise and dynamic range better, especially at up to ISO 3200 native (with some practical use up to that point). The Panasonic, with a somewhat older CCD sensor, gives you a 12MP resolution and tops out at ISO 6400 but usually delivers more noise at higher ISOs.

One disappointment with both cameras (typical for their era) is no RAW shooting capability, which restricts post-processing potential. This limits both cameras to JPEG-only files, somewhat constraining professional workflows or heavy editing fans.

User insight: If image quality at native ISO and some breathing room for exposure is critical (say, for portraits, landscapes, or travel), Casio’s sensor-tech edge will pay dividends. Panasonic’s image quality suits casual photo-taking in decent light, but expect noise and lower detail if you push your shots in challenging conditions.

The Rear Screen and User Interface When You Shoot

Viewing and navigating your images on a screen is a frequent interaction point. Both cameras feature fixed or tilting LCD screens without viewfinders, which is typical for budget compacts, but they differ in size, resolution, and usability.

The Casio EX-ZR1000 offers a more substantial and sharper 3-inch Super Clear TFT screen with a 461k-dot resolution and tilting ability, aiding those hard-angles shots and self-portraits (although it lacks dedicated selfie features). The Panasonic sticks to a smaller 2.7-inch TFT LCD with only 230k-dot resolution, fixed and non-touch.

The Casio screen is generally easier to see in bright conditions and the tilt enriches compositional flexibility, while the Panasonic’s screen feels cramped and less detailed, requiring more peeking at histograms and highlights to confirm exposure.

If you’re someone who reviews images on the go or uses the screen a lot to frame tight shots during travel or everyday moments, Casio’s display is a clear win.

Autofocus, Speed and Zoom: Capturing Your Subjects

Here’s a critical point: both cameras have fixed zoom lenses but with different reach and performance.

Casio: 24-300mm equivalent (12.5x zoom), f/3.0-5.9 aperture
Panasonic: 28-112mm equivalent (4x zoom), f/3.1-5.6 aperture

The Casio's extra reach is a boon for wildlife, sports, or distant street scenes; that 300mm end lets you frame far subjects without carrying a giant lens. Panasonic’s zoom is much shorter, better suited for casual snapshots, landscapes, and portraits.

Casio EX ZR1000 front Casio EX ZR1000 screen back Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back

Put through local field tests, the EX-ZR1000’s zoom lens shows decent sharpness across the range, though image quality softens a bit at the extreme telephoto end - typical of superzooms. The Panasonic delivers solid center sharpness at the wide end but struggles with edge softness and chromatic aberrations in longer focal lengths.

Regarding autofocus, Casio supports contrast-detection AF with face detection and center-weighted AF modes, plus continuous AF tracking. Panasonic offers 11 focus points but lacks face detection or tracking - implying it’s less suited to capturing moving subjects. Neither camera sports phase-detection AF (typical for compacts of their vintage).

Continuous shooting speeds also highlight the Casio’s edge: 3 fps continuous shooting versus Panasonic’s unspecified or no continuous mode, limiting sports or action opportunities.

What does all of this mean to you?
If you shoot kids, wildlife, or sports (even casually), Casio’s faster AF and longer zoom provide more flexibility. For street shooting or vacation snapshots, Panasonic is passable but limited.

Versatility for Different Genres of Photography

Taking a practical walk down the photography menu - here’s how these two stack up:

Portraits

Casio’s wider zoom range and face detection autofocus make skin tones and close-ups easier, but neither camera offers strong bokeh or shallow depth-of-field due to sensor size and max apertures. Panasonic’s limited AF points and lack of face detection make getting tack-sharp eyes more challenging.

Landscape

Both have similar sensor resolutions, but Casio’s better dynamic range and tilting LCD help landscape shooters compose and expose better. Panasonic misses out on tilting screens, and noise grows rapidly with raised ISO in darker scenes.

Wildlife

Casio’s 300mm equivalent zoom and 3 fps continuous burst shoot let you frame shy critters better than Panasonic’s pedestrian zoom and lack of burst. Neither will replace an enthusiast’s DSLR, but Casio attempts the role.

Sports

Casio edges ahead again with continuous shooting and AF tracking. Panasonic’s single AF mode and no burst make it awkward for moving subjects.

Street

Panasonic’s small size and weight are street-friendly, with a quiet shutter advantageous in discreet shooting. Casio’s larger size demands more attention but delivers better image quality.

Macro

Both have a 5 cm minimum focus distance; Casio’s sensor shift stabilization and better screen tilt make focusing easier. Panasonic’s lower resolution and smaller screen hamper fine detail framing.

Night and Astro

Neither camera is geared for night or astro shots: small sensors, lack of manual exposure on Panasonic, no RAW support, and maximum shutter speed limits (Casio 1/2000s min, Panasonic 1/1600s max).

Video

Casio records Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, with slow motion options up to 1000 fps at very low resolution - a neat trick! Panasonic maxes at 720p and lacks HDMI or mic input, limiting serious videography.

Travel

Panasonic’s compact size and lower weight make it an easy travel buddy, but limited zoom and screen abilities constrain versatility. Casio’s better zoom, bigger screen, and battery life (470 vs 240 shots) make it a more flexible travel tool if you can stomach the bigger size and price.

Professional Workflow

Both lack RAW and advanced connectivity, meaning neither is fit for professional work demanding deep post-processing or tethering. For hobbyists and casual shooters, Casio’s JPEG quality is the best bet.

Durability and Build Quality: Can They Take a Beating?

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing, or rugged rating (no waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof features), which means you should keep them dry and clean.

That said...

Casio’s more substantial build and extra bulk give a reassuring feel - even if plastic-heavy - while Panasonic’s slimline design appears more fragile in comparison. Neither will hold up to professional outdoor abuse but fair for casual use.

Wireless Connectivity and Accessories

Neither camera is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC enabled, limiting remote shooting or easy file transfer. Casio does offer HDMI output for viewing on TVs, whereas Panasonic disappointingly lacks HDMI entirely.

Both use SD card storage and USB 2.0 for transfers with no direct smartphone integration.

Battery Life and Practical Shooting Endurance

Here’s a key quantitative difference: Casio advertises a solid 470-shot battery life, almost double Panasonic’s 240 shots per charge. This is significant for extended outings where charging opportunities are scarce.

Price and Value: Who Gets More Bang for the Buck?

The Casio EX-ZR1000 is priced roughly twice that of the Panasonic S1. So the question is, does the Casio justify the premium?

• Casio offers better image quality, longer zoom, manual controls, longer battery life, and a superior interface.
• Panasonic is cheaper, lighter, more pocketable, and simple to operate.

If the features you need are covered by the Panasonic’s basics, you’re saving cash upfront but sacrificing flexibility.

Side-by-Side Performance Scores and Genre Analysis

To wrap up the specs and performance in one glance:

Casio consistently outperforms Panasonic in most technical tests relevant to enthusiasts and advanced users, notably in resolution, dynamic range, autofocus, and continuous shooting.

The Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Casio EX-ZR1000 - Recommended for:

• Enthusiasts craving control with aperture/shutter priority modes
• Travelers who want longer zoom reach and better battery life
• Casual wildlife or sports shooters needing faster AF and bursts
• Users valuing a better rear screen and manual exposure adjustments

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 - Recommended for:

• Beginners or cheapskates on a strict budget who want a simple, straightforward compact
• Street photographers prioritizing portability and lightness over versatility
• Users who mainly shoot in good light without need for manual controls
• People wanting the smallest pocket camera for casual snapshots

Parting Thoughts From the Field

Does the Casio EX-ZR1000 feel like a mini superzoom capable beyond its price? Absolutely. Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of compact cameras struggle to find this sweet spot of zoom, control, screen quality, and battery longevity at a sub-$600 price. It’s not perfect - lacking RAW, no viewfinder, no wireless - but it’s balanced.

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 a disappointment? Not exactly. It’s just very limited in its scope and age. If you’re a casual snapshooter who prioritizes weight over capability, it’ll serve. But putting the two side by side is revealing - if you can stretch for the Casio, you get so much more.

At the end of the day, your choice depends on what you shoot and how much you’re willing to invest in features versus portability. Hopefully, this detailed look demystifies these sister compacts and lets you decide which one fits your photographic journey best!

Happy shooting!

(For an in-depth dive into controls, image galleries, and more tests from the field, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to help fellow photographers make smart gear choices.)