Nikon AW120 vs Panasonic SZ1
92 Imaging
39 Features
45 Overall
41
95 Imaging
38 Features
34 Overall
36
Nikon AW120 vs Panasonic SZ1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-120mm (F2.8-4.9) lens
- 213g - 110 x 66 x 26mm
- Introduced February 2014
- Replaced the Nikon AW110
- Replacement is Nikon AW130
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 131g - 99 x 59 x 21mm
- Launched January 2012
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On this page, we will be evaluating the Nikon AW120 vs Panasonic SZ1, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the AW120 (16MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras boast the same sensor size (1/2.3").
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe AW120 was released 2 years later than the SZ1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the AW120 grades against the SZ1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
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This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix AW120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon AW120 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon AW120 over the Panasonic SZ1
| AW120 | SZ1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | February 2014 | January 2012 | More recent by 26 months | |
| Screen resolution | 921k | 230k | Sharper screen (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ1 over the Nikon AW120
| SZ1 | AW120 |
|---|
Common features in the Nikon AW120 and Panasonic SZ1
| AW120 | SZ1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manually focus | No manual focusing | |||
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Screen dimensions | 3" | 3" | Equal screen size | |
| Selfie screen | Missing selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | Neither provides Touch friendly screen |
Nikon AW120 vs Panasonic SZ1 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon AW120 provides exterior dimensions of 110mm x 66mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.0") along with a weight of 213 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).
Compare the Nikon AW120 vs Panasonic SZ1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the AW120 vs the SZ1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the AW120 and SZ1 is 92 and 95 respectively.
Nikon AW120 vs Panasonic SZ1 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it's tough to picture the contrast in sensor measurements only by checking out a spec sheet. The visual here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the AW120 and SZ1.
As you can see, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution and you should expect comparable quality of pictures though you have to take the production date of the cameras into account. The more recent AW120 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.
Nikon AW120 vs Panasonic SZ1 Screen and ViewFinder
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Nikon AW120 vs Panasonic SZ1 Specifications
| Nikon Coolpix AW120 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Nikon | Panasonic |
| Model | Nikon Coolpix AW120 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 |
| Type | Waterproof | Small Sensor Compact |
| Introduced | 2014-02-07 | 2012-01-09 |
| Physical type | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
| Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | - | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Full resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
| Max native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
| Lowest native ISO | 125 | 100 |
| RAW files | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Touch focus | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| AF single | ||
| Tracking AF | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| Center weighted AF | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detection AF | ||
| Contract detection AF | ||
| Phase detection AF | ||
| Number of focus points | - | 23 |
| Cross focus points | - | - |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens focal range | 24-120mm (5.0x) | 25-250mm (10.0x) |
| Maximal aperture | f/2.8-4.9 | f/3.1-5.9 |
| Macro focus range | 1cm | 4cm |
| Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
| Screen | ||
| Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| Screen resolution | 921k dots | 230k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch operation | ||
| Screen tech | OLED monitor | TFT Color LCD |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Slowest shutter speed | 4 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
| Continuous shooting rate | 7.0 frames per second | 1.0 frames per second |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual mode | ||
| Change WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash range | 5.20 m | 5.60 m |
| Flash modes | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction |
| Hot shoe | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
| Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4 |
| Microphone port | ||
| Headphone port | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | BuiltIn | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment sealing | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 213 gr (0.47 lbs) | 131 gr (0.29 lbs) |
| Physical dimensions | 110 x 66 x 26mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.0") | 99 x 59 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 350 shots | 250 shots |
| Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | EN-EL12 | - |
| Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Type of storage | SD / SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
| Card slots | Single | Single |
| Cost at launch | $350 | $179 |