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Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1

Portability
94
Imaging
33
Features
17
Overall
26
Nikon Coolpix L20 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 front
Portability
91
Imaging
33
Features
25
Overall
29

Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 Key Specs

Nikon L20
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 64 - 1600
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 38-136mm (F3.1-6.7) lens
  • 135g - 97 x 61 x 29mm
  • Launched February 2009
Panasonic ZS1
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/2.5" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
  • 229g - 103 x 60 x 33mm
  • Revealed May 2009
  • Additionally Known as Lumix DMC-TZ6
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Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 Overview

In this article, we are contrasting the Nikon L20 and Panasonic ZS1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the L20 (10MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is very close but the L20 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") come with different sensor size.

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The L20 was announced 3 months before the ZS1 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the L20 matches up vs the ZS1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Nikon L20 over the Panasonic ZS1

 L20 ZS1 
Display sizing3"2.7"Larger display (+0.3")

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS1 over the Nikon L20

 ZS1 L20 

Common features in the Nikon L20 and Panasonic ZS1

 L20 ZS1 
RevealedFebruary 2009May 2009Same generation
Manually focus No manual focusing
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display resolution230k230kSame display resolution
Selfie screen Neither has selfie screen
Touch friendly display Neither has Touch friendly display

Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 Physical Comparison

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon L20 has exterior dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 135 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Nikon L20 and Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the L20 and the ZS1.

Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 size comparison

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the L20 and ZS1 is 94 and 91 respectively.

Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 top view buttons comparison

Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 Sensor Comparison

Generally, it is tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through a spec sheet. The visual below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the L20 and ZS1.

Clearly, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but different sensor sizing. The L20 provides the larger sensor which is going to make achieving bokeh easier.

Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 sensor size comparison

Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon L20 Portrait photography info
Panasonic ZS1 Portrait photography info
19
focusing manually not possible
no manual exposure
can't use external flash
sensor resolution low (10MP)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
25
comes with face detection autofocus
focusing manually not possible
manual mode not available
external flash not possible
sensor resolution not great (10MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.5")
no RAW support
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Street Comparison

Nikon L20 Street photography features
Panasonic ZS1 Street photography features
54
lighter than competitors (135 grams)
no articulating screen
does not have image stabilization
very small sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
60
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others (229 grams)
screen does not articulate
tiny sensor size (1/2.5")
no RAW support
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Sports Comparison

Nikon L20 as a Sports photography camera
Panasonic ZS1 as a Sports photography camera
16
lack of shutter priority mode
does not have image stabilization
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
no phase detect auto focus
24
image stabilization (Optical)
max fps very slow (3.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor resolution not great (10 megapixels)
tiny sensor size (1/2.5")
no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon L20 Travel photography advice
Panasonic ZS1 Travel photography advice
55
lighter than competitors (135g)
has built in flash
missing Time Lapse function
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
display isn't selfie friendly
wide angle not good (38mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
63
lighter than others (229 grams)
has built in flash
pretty wide (25mm)
great zoom (300mm)
does not have Timelapse function
sensor resolution not great (10 megapixels)
does not feature selfie friendly screen
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon L20 Landscape photography features
Panasonic ZS1 Landscape photography features
27
pretty good screen size (3 inches)
focusing manually not possible
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not good (38mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
no manual exposure
does not have image stabilization
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
missing Time Lapse function
31
pretty wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
focusing manually not possible
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
tiny screen (2.7 inches)
manual mode not available
sensor resolution not great (10MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.5")
no RAW support
does not have Timelapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon L20 as a Vlogging camera
Panasonic ZS1 as a Vlogging camera
24
lighter than competitors (135 grams)
wide angle not good (38mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
display isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
video resolution low (640 x 480 resolution)
missing mic support
31
pretty wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
comes with face detection autofocus
lighter than others (229g)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
does not feature selfie friendly screen
video resolution low (640 x 480 pxls)
does not have external microphone port
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Nikon L20 vs Panasonic ZS1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon L20 and Panasonic ZS1
 Nikon Coolpix L20Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Panasonic
Model Nikon Coolpix L20 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1
Alternative name - Lumix DMC-TZ6
Class Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched 2009-02-03 2009-05-14
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.5"
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 5.744 x 4.308mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 24.7mm²
Sensor resolution 10 megapixel 10 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2
Peak resolution 3648 x 2736 3648 x 2736
Highest native ISO 1600 6400
Min native ISO 64 100
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Number of focus points - 11
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 38-136mm (3.6x) 25-300mm (12.0x)
Maximum aperture f/3.1-6.7 f/3.3-4.9
Macro focus range 5cm 3cm
Focal length multiplier 5.9 6.3
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3" 2.7"
Screen resolution 230k dot 230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 8 secs 60 secs
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/2000 secs
Continuous shutter speed - 3.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range - 5.30 m (Auto ISO)
Flash modes Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow, Off Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 640x480 640x480
Video format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
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 proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 135 gr (0.30 lbs) 229 gr (0.50 lbs)
Dimensions 97 x 61 x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") 103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO Overall 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 model 2 x AA -
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC card, Internal SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal
Storage slots Single Single
Launch cost $120 $0