Kodak Z990 vs Panasonic ZS1

Let's look closer at the Kodak Z990 and Panasonic ZS1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Kodak and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the Z990 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the Z990 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") provide different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The Z990 was revealed 20 months after the ZS1 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Kodak Z990 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the Z990 matches up versus the ZS1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Kodak EasyShare Z990 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are viewable at Kodak Z990 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Kodak Z990 provides external measurements of 124mm x 91mm x 105mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 4.1") accompanied by a weight of 445 grams (0.98 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Kodak Z990 and Panasonic ZS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the Z990 against the ZS1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the Z990 and ZS1 is 68 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions just by reading through specs. The picture here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the Z990 and ZS1.

All in all, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The Z990 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh easier and the Kodak Z990 will give greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The fresher Z990 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.