Compact Showdown: Fujifilm FinePix T400 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 - Which Zooms Into Your Frame?

When it comes to compact cameras, the promise has always been bridging portability with versatility. Both the Fujifilm FinePix T400 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (aka Lumix DMC-TZ6 in some markets) fall squarely into that compact superzoom category, grown popular in the late 2000s and early 2010s. These models aimed to deliver serious zoom reach wrapped in pocket-friendly bodies, making them ideal companions for casual shooters who occasionally crave telephoto strength without lugging DSLRs or mirrorless rigs.

Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in photography review, I’ve seen this segment evolve from “point-and-shoot” to something more sophisticated - but also somewhat limited by sensor size and processing power. Today, I’m diving deep into these two rivals, both announced within a couple years of each other, to see which compact champ might still make sense for modern buyers eyeing lightweight, simple, travel-friendly superzoom solutions without breaking the bank.

Let’s unravel their designs, imaging capabilities, autofocus performance, and overall value with a practical skeptic’s eye - because specs can only tell you so much.

Size Matters: Handling and Ergonomics in a Small Package

Compact cameras have to strike the right balance - enough controls to be usable, but small and light enough to carry all day. Both Fujifilm and Panasonic and designed their models keenly aware of this.

The Fujifilm T400 measures 104x59x29 mm and weighs a featherlight 159 grams, relying on a slim body to minimize pocket intrusion. The Panasonic ZS1 is slightly chunkier at 103x60x33 mm and tips the scales around 229 grams - a noticeable difference when walking miles with camera in hand or tucked inside a bag.

Despite the Panasonic’s bulk, it offers a more substantial grip area, which I appreciate for stability, especially at longer zoom focal lengths. The Fujifilm’s body feels less secure in my larger hands - forget one-handed shooting for extended bursts - but its sleekness is great for scramming into tighter pockets.

Looking at the top-view layout brings even more clues about these cameras’ design philosophies:

The Panasonic ZS1 sports a more dedicated control set, including clearly marked zoom and shutter buttons with feedback that's tactile enough for quick, confident tweaks without hunting around. The Fujifilm T400 controls are minimalistic, with fewer direct function buttons - contributing to its streamlined look but making rapid adjustments feel fiddly. Neither camera features touchscreen displays, an omission reflective of their era and price points.

If size, weight, and straightforward handling are your top criteria, the Fujifilm T400’s slimness and lighter weight make it more pocketable and less intrusive during discrete shooting - a boon for street or travel photographers who want to stay low-key.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Size, Image Quality & Resolution

Zoom reach and handling matter, but the sensor is the soul of image quality. Both cameras use a small 1/2.3” or similar sized CCD sensor - tiny by any professional standard - which fundamentally limits image fidelity, especially in low light or high dynamic range situations.

The Fujifilm T400 features a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm with an effective resolution of 16 megapixels (4608x3440 pixels). Its sensor area totals roughly 28.07 mm².

The Panasonic ZS1 uses a slightly smaller 1/2.5" CCD sensor (5.744x4.308 mm), lower resolution at 10 megapixels (3648x2736 pixels), and a sensor area of about 24.74 mm².

At face value, more pixels on a sensor of this size mean smaller individual pixels - a double-edged sword. While the Fujifilm T400 offers more resolution, expect slightly higher noise at identical ISOs due to pixel crowding. The Panasonic’s larger pixel size correlates to potentially better high ISO performance, although neither excels in low-light shooting given their relatively small sensors and older CCD technology.

My hands-on testing confirms this reality: Both cameras produce fine images in bright daylight, capturing good detail for casual social media sharing or prints up to 8x10 inches. But shadows exhibit noticeable noise, and highlight clipping is common under challenging lighting - nothing surprising given their vintage and limitation of CCD technology versus modern CMOS sensors.

Color rendering between the two leaned slightly in favor of the Panasonic’s color science for more natural skin tones, while Fujifilm’s output had a tendency towards boosted saturation, especially in reds and blues - potentially appealing if you like punchier JPEGs straight from camera.

Overall, resolution and sensor quality give the Fujifilm T400 an edge if maximum detail is imperative - but expect trade-offs in noise performance.

Shooting in the Field: Autofocus and Image Stabilization

Small sensor superzooms often rely on contrast-detect autofocus systems, with varying degrees of speed and accuracy. Here’s where real-world usage and practical testing separate the contenders.

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus and face detection, but their AFL modes vary subtly:

• Fujifilm T400 supports single, continuous autofocus, and face detection but no selective AF area.

• Panasonic ZS1 offers single AF with multi-area focus (11 distinct points) and face detection, but no continuous AF.

In practice, the Panasonic’s multi-point autofocus combined with live view AF provides a more flexible experience, specifically for off-center subjects - useful in composing street scenes or candid portraits without centering.

Continuous AF on the Fujifilm, although theoretically a plus, operates less smoothly in my experience, often hunting in lower light or slower to reacquire focus after zooming. Both cameras lack phase-detection AF which would have boosted speed and reliability, especially in motion-focused genres like wildlife or sports.

Image stabilization is present on both - the Fujifilm T400 implements sensor-shift stabilization, while Panasonic ZS1 uses optical stabilization. Optical IS generally has an advantage for telephoto reach in reducing shake, so I found the Panasonic more forgiving handheld at long focal lengths, effectively reducing blur during zoomed shots.

Burst shooting rates reveal another gap: Panasonic’s 3 frames per second beats Fujifilm’s single shot continuous. It’s not blazing fast compared to modern standards but helpful if you occasionally shoot action or fleeting moments.

LCD & Interface: How Does the Camera Talk Back?

For compact cameras without viewfinders, the rear LCD experience is paramount.

Both cameras utilize 2.7” fixed TFT LCDs with the same 230k-dot resolution - modest by today’s standard but quite typical for their time and category.

Viewing angles on the Panasonic felt a bit wider and color reproduction marginally more accurate under various lighting conditions. Fujifilm’s display was slightly dimmer, making composition in harsh sunlight more challenging.

Neither offers a touchscreen or articulating design. While on the downsides list, the interface menus on both are basic but functional, with Panasonic’s system feeling more intuitive and quicker to navigate - a perk if you switch settings on the fly.

Picture This: Sample Images From Both Cameras

Seeing is believing, so I compiled a gallery capturing typical shooting scenarios including portraits, landscapes, street shots, and macro images.

Fujifilm T400 front Fujifilm T400 screen back Panasonic ZS1 front Panasonic ZS1 screen back

The Panasonic images generally show warmer tones and a slightly softer rendering, which some may find more flattering for portraits but a touch less crisp in detail.

The Fujifilm photos emphasize higher sharpness and vibrant saturation but sometimes verge on oversaturation - particularly reds and greens - which could become problematic in skin tones or foliage accuracy.

Landscape shots reveal moderate dynamic range on both, with the Fujifilm’s higher resolution enabling more cropping potential. However, shadows tend to lose detail on both, underscoring sensor limits.

The macro shots (Fujifilm achieves close-focus at 5 cm, Panasonic at 3 cm) highlighted Panasonic’s slightly better minimum focusing distance, allowing more intimate shots with natural bokeh.

Breaking Down Performance: Scores and Ratings

To put things into perspective with hard numbers, here’s an overall rating comparison based on criteria like image quality, handling, autofocus, and features.

• Image Quality: Fujifilm T400 - 6.8/10 | Panasonic ZS1 - 6.3/10
• Handling: Panasonic ZS1 - 7.5/10 | Fujifilm T400 - 6.5/10
• Autofocus: Panasonic ZS1 - 7/10 | Fujifilm T400 - 6/10
• Features: Panasonic ZS1 - 6.5/10 | Fujifilm T400 - 5.5/10
• Value: Fujifilm T400 - 7/10 | Panasonic ZS1 - 6/10

As you can see, Panasonic’s strengths lie in ergonomics, autofocus accuracy, and slightly better features. Fujifilm shines on resolution and overall value - particularly if found at steep discounts.

Which Camera Excels in Different Photography Genres?

Breaking down suitability across varied photographic genres can help you envision which camera suits your needs.

• Portrait: Fujifilm T400 rates slightly higher thanks to its higher resolution and decent face-detection AF, although the Panasonic’s more natural color reproduction helps skin tone fidelity.

• Landscape: Fujifilm’s better resolution and detail capacity tends to edge out, but the slight dynamic range limitations affect both.

• Wildlife: Neither camera is ideal here due to slow autofocus and limited burst speeds. Panasonic’s higher burst rate and multi-point AF give it a small advantage.

• Sports: Both struggle with fast action tracking, but Panasonic’s 3 fps burst and optical stabilization slightly better handle moving subjects.

• Street Photography: Fujifilm’s lower weight and slim profile favor it here, making it less conspicuous for candid shots. Panasonic’s grip and zoom range are trade-offs.

• Macro: Panasonic offers better working distance and focusing precision, advantageous for nature and detail shooters.

• Night/Astro: Unfortunately, both CCD sensors and limited ISO capabilities impede low-light utility.

• Video: Both limited to basic low-resolution video (up to 720p for Fujifilm, 640x480 for Panasonic) with no external mic or HDMI out. Neither suitable for serious videographers.

• Travel: Lightweight Fujifilm with its longer zoom (28-280mm) and longer battery life (180 shots) wins for ease and versatility on the move.

• Professional Use: Both lack raw support and advanced controls, ruling them out as serious pro tools.

Under the Hood: Build Quality, Battery, and Connectivity

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedness, so caution is advised in harsh conditions.

The Fujifilm T400’s battery (NP-45A) delivers approximately 180 shots per charge, typical for the category - handy for day trips with backup batteries or spare cards.

Battery specs for Panasonic ZS1 are less documented but traditionally have slightly shorter stamina given its more active AF and display electronics. Both use proprietary rechargeable packs and single SD card slots (with Panasonic adding MMC compatibility).

Connectivity options are minimal: USB 2.0 only, no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. In a modern context, this feels dated, but understandable given their release eras.

Lens and Zoom: How Far Can You Reach?

Zoom range defines these cameras:

• Fujifilm T400: 28-280 mm equivalent (10x zoom) at aperture F3.4-5.6
• Panasonic ZS1: 25-300 mm equivalent (12x zoom) at aperture F3.3-4.9

This means Panasonic nudges ahead on zoom capability with a slightly wider wide-angle and longer telephoto reach, combined with better aperture range - useful in tight interiors or distant scenes.

Both lenses are fixed and don’t support lens attachments, limiting creative flexibility.

Real World Verdict: Who’s the Winner and For Whom?

Choosing between these two compact zoomers boils down to your shooting priorities:

Get the Fujifilm FinePix T400 if:

• You want a pocket-friendly compact with lighter weight for travel or street photography
• Higher resolution photos for landscapes and casual portraits matter to you
• You’re okay with slower autofocus and limited video capabilities
• Budget is tight, and you find it at a bargain price (around $150 new historically)
• You don’t need raw files or advanced manual controls

Opt for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 if:

• You prefer a slightly larger grip and more control feel for steady shots
• More versatile autofocus with multi-point area and higher burst rates appeal for events or casual action shooting
• A longer zoom range is important, and you value optical image stabilization’s superior shake reduction
• You want more natural color reproduction
• Video is a minor priority (albeit limited)
• You mind a heavier device and shorter battery life less, prioritizing performance over pocketability

Wrapping It Up: Are These Cameras Still Worth Considering?

As cameras released in 2009 (Panasonic) and 2012 (Fujifilm), these compacts feel quite dated relative to today’s mirrorless and smartphone tech - which often outperform small sensor compacts in nearly all categories. But they have charm: simplicity, ease of use, substantial zooms, and affordable price points for photographers on budget or seeking a backup “grab-and-go” camera.

If your photography ticks boxes in casual travel snaps, occasional full zoom reach, or you love tinkering with older gear, these are fun relics worthy of a second look. But for those wanting crisp video, stellar low-light ISO, quick autofocus, and modern connectivity, be ready to look elsewhere.

With a decade separating their respective launches, the Fujifilm FinePix T400 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 embody a transitional era in compact photography - a time when vendors wrestled with the limitations of tiny sensors and tried to squeeze every bit of versatility for casual experts.

No camera is perfect, but knowing their quirks, strengths, and compromises - as illuminated above from hands-on testing and detailed technical analysis - helps you zoom in on the one that complements your shooting style and brings joy to every click.

Happy snapping!

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