Nikon P300 vs Panasonic ZS1

Let's look closer at the Nikon P300 and Panasonic ZS1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the P300 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is very close but the P300 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The P300 was announced 2 years after the ZS1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the P300 matches up against the ZS1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix P300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon P300 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon P300 comes with exterior dimensions of 103mm x 58mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 189 grams (0.42 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).

Analyze the Nikon P300 and Panasonic ZS1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the P300 vs the ZS1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the P300 and ZS1 is 92 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to picture the gap in sensor dimensions just by researching specs. The pic below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the P300 and ZS1.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The P300 having a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Nikon P300 will result in more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher P300 provides an advantage in sensor technology.