Nikon L820 vs Panasonic ZS20

Below, we will be contrasting the Nikon L820 and Panasonic ZS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the L820 (16MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is pretty comparable and they feature the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The L820 was introduced 10 months later than the ZS20 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Nikon L820 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the L820 scores versus the ZS20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L820 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon L820 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon L820 offers outer dimensions of 111mm x 76mm x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") along with a weight of 470 grams (1.04 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Nikon L820 and Panasonic ZS20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the L820 compared to the ZS20.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the L820 and ZS20 is 72 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the L820 and ZS20.

As you can see, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should expect the Nikon L820 to provide more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The more recent L820 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.