Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20
66 Imaging
36 Features
37 Overall
36


71 Imaging
39 Features
34 Overall
37
Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 64 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-676mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
- 540g - 124 x 85 x 105mm
- Introduced July 2010
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Push to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-525mm (F3.1-5.8) lens
- 499g - 120 x 76 x 80mm
- Released July 2012
- Later Model is Panasonic LZ30

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20 Overview
On this page, we will be contrasting the Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Kodak and Panasonic. The resolution of the Z981 (14MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is relatively close and both cameras boast the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The Z981 was revealed 24 months before the LZ20 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).
Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the Z981 grades vs the LZ20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Kodak EasyShare Z981 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The full galleries are available at Kodak Z981 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Kodak Z981 over the Panasonic LZ20
Z981 | LZ20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very accurate focus |
Reasons to pick Panasonic LZ20 over the Kodak Z981
LZ20 | Z981 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | July 2012 | ![]() | July 2010 | More modern by 24 months |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 201k | Crisper screen (+259k dot) |
Common features in the Kodak Z981 and Panasonic LZ20
Z981 | LZ20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither has Touch friendly screen |
Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Kodak Z981 has physical measurements of 124mm x 85mm x 105mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.1") with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ20 has measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).
Contrast the Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the Z981 and the LZ20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the Z981 and LZ20 is 66 and 71 respectively.

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it can be difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by viewing specs. The picture below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the Z981 and LZ20.
As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic LZ20 to provide you with greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged Z981 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic LZ20 Specifications
Kodak EasyShare Z981 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Kodak | Panasonic |
Model type | Kodak EasyShare Z981 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Introduced | 2010-07-06 | 2012-07-18 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4288 x 3216 | 4608 x 3456 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 1600 |
Highest enhanced ISO | - | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 64 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 26-676mm (26.0x) | 25-525mm (21.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/2.8-5.0 | f/3.1-5.8 |
Macro focusing distance | 10cm | 2cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 201 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen technology | - | TFT Screen LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 16 secs | 15 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 1.0 frames per second | 1.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 6.20 m | 6.80 m |
Flash modes | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720p ( 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 540g (1.19 lbs) | 499g (1.10 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 124 x 85 x 105mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.1") | 120 x 76 x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 380 photos |
Battery format | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | 4 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC card, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Launch price | $299 | $250 |