Nikon AW120 vs Panasonic ZS15

Below is a comprehensive review of the Nikon AW120 versus Panasonic ZS15, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the AW120 (16MP) and ZS15 (12MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The AW120 was unveiled 20 months later than the ZS15 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the AW120 scores versus the ZS15 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix AW120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The full galleries are available at Nikon AW120 Gallery and Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon AW120 comes with external dimensions of 110mm x 66mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.0") and a weight of 213 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS15 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon AW120 versus Panasonic ZS15 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the AW120 versus the ZS15.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the AW120 and ZS15 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by going through a spec sheet. The visual below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the AW120 and ZS15.

As you can see, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Nikon AW120 to provide extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The fresher AW120 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.