Nikon P340 vs Panasonic Lumix TS1: An Expert Compact Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to compact cameras, two very different approaches stand out in the Nikon P340 and Panasonic Lumix TS1. Both are designed to offer portability and accessible photography but serve distinct priorities: the P340 leverages advanced imaging technology for quality and creative control, while the TS1 champions rugged durability and outdoor versatility.

We’ve spent countless hours testing these cameras across disciplines to give you an authoritative side-by-side analysis. Whether your focus is casual travel photography, tough conditions, or creative shooting, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed choice grounded in real-world performance and technical know-how.

What You’re Holding: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

Before diving into technical specs, handling and ergonomics shape your day-to-day shooting experience.

The Nikon P340 offers a slightly larger, sturdier body with a better grip profile and a bright 3-inch screen, making it a more comfortable handheld option for longer shoots and creative control. The Panasonic TS1 is smaller and sleeker but prioritizes ruggedness, with a design that fits securely even with gloves in wet or dusty environments.

If you value a tactile, familiar camera feel with easy access to manual controls, the Nikon excels. For hiking, underwater adventures, or extreme conditions where your camera might take a beating, the Panasonic’s shock- and waterproof build is your go-to.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Technology

Image quality is often the heart of any camera decision, and here the specs begin to diverge clearly.

The Nikon’s 1/1.7-inch backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor is significantly larger and more capable, especially in low-light and high dynamic range situations. This sensor technology enhances light-gathering efficiency, which translates into cleaner images at higher ISO settings and superior color depth.

The Panasonic TS1’s smaller CCD sensor is a tried-and-true design that generally offers good color reproduction but falls short in noise performance and dynamic range compared to the Nikon. And importantly, the Panasonic cannot shoot RAW, limiting your post-processing flexibility.

In practical shooting tests, the P340 produced sharper images with more detail in shadows and highlights, making it the better all-around performer for portraits and landscapes.

Controls and Interface: Customization vs Simplicity

The user interface influences how fast and instinctively you can work with your camera. Let’s compare control layouts and engagement.

• Nikon P340: Offers manual exposure modes (shutter/aperture priority, full manual), exposure compensation, and customizable buttons. There is a clearly laid out mode dial and dedicated controls.
• Panasonic TS1: Primarily automatic exposure modes without manual control or priority options. Very simple interface designed to get images quickly, with limited button control and no exposure compensation.

The Nikon’s versatility supports experienced photographers eager to push creative boundaries. In contrast, the Panasonic’s stripped-down setup suits beginners or those wanting point-and-shoot reliability.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Framing & Review

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, meaning you'll rely completely on the rear LCD.

Nikon’s higher-resolution screen provides a much clearer and more vibrant display for highlighting focus points, composing shots, and reviewing photos on the go. The Panasonic’s display is basic, less sharp, and harder to see in bright sunlight, impacting usability in bright or dynamic environments.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Versatility for Various Shoots

Lens performance has a critical influence on image quality and creative potential.

The Nikon’s lens offers a wider aperture at the wide end (f/1.8), yielding better low-light performance and more background blur potential for portraits and macro shots. The Panasonic’s slower aperture lens means less flexibility in dim lighting but sufficient for general rugged outdoor shooting.

The P340’s macro focusing down to 2 cm is excellent for close-up details and nature shots. The Panasonic’s macro limit of 5 cm is less effective for tight macro work.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Your ability to capture precise focus on the fly matters tremendously for sports, wildlife, street, and video.

Nikon’s built-in face detection and tracking AF allow you to keep moving subjects sharply focused, which is useful for portraits and action snapshots.

Panasonic’s simpler AF system restricts you to center-weighted autofocus without tracking, limiting use in dynamic scenes.

In practical shooting, the Nikon promptly acquired focus and maintained tracking on moderately moving subjects better.

Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Sharp

Both cameras offer Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), essential for handheld shooting, especially under low light or telephoto.

In our tests:

• Nikon P340’s stabilization was solid, allowing handheld shots down to slower shutter speeds without blur.
• Panasonic TS1’s stabilization performs decently but is less effective at longer focal lengths.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips or Creative Movies?

Video specs are increasingly important in compact cameras.

The Nikon clearly beats the Panasonic with full HD 1080p capture and slow-motion options, making it more suited for casual vloggers or multimedia enthusiasts.

Panasonic’s max 720p video with limited frame rate choices and no microphone input restricts serious use, but you get dependable waterproof video functionality.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Camera for the Wild

The biggest standout for the Panasonic TS1 is its rugged build. If your photography leads you to beaches, hiking, underwater adventures, or dusty, rough environments, the TS1 provides true peace of mind.

The Nikon P340, although more fragile, offers superior imaging trade-offs but requires handling with care or additional protective accessories.

Battery Life and Storage

The Nikon includes modest battery life typical of compacts but benefits from Wi-Fi for easy image sharing.

Surprisingly, the Panasonic lacks wireless connectivity and battery life specs, but the inclusion of internal storage could be useful when memory cards run out.

Real-World Performance: Photography Type Breakdown

Let’s examine how these cameras perform across various photography genres and use cases, based on our testing.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon P340: Due to its wider aperture lens and face detection AF, you’ll achieve pleasing skin tones, better background separation with natural bokeh, and accurate eye focus. The RAW support lets you tweak tone and color precisely.
• Panasonic TS1: Portraits will be adequately sharp but limited by slower lens and no face detection autofocus. Background blur is minimal.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon P340: The larger sensor and higher dynamic range capture subtle tonal gradations well. Manual controls let you expose for shadows/highlights creatively.
• Panasonic TS1: Smaller sensor means less detail and dynamic range, but ruggedness helps in challenging weather. Limited manual exposure restricts control.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Nikon P340: The P340’s faster burst rate (10 fps) and AF tracking provides better chances at action shots than the Panasonic’s 2 fps without tracking.
• Panasonic TS1: Built for casual or adventure snapshots but lacks speed and focusing sophistication.

Street Photography

• Nikon P340: Bigger size and louder shutter make the P340 less discreet, but excellent image quality and silent shooting modes compensate.
• Panasonic TS1: Smaller, rugged body and quiet operation favor candid street snaps.

Macro Photography

• Nikon P340: Superior close-focusing and aperture control deliver sharp, rich macro images.
• Panasonic TS1: A workable macro, but 5 cm minimum and slower lens limit creative possibilities.

Night and Astro Photography

• Nikon P340: Higher ISO capabilities and raw shooting make it better for night scenes and star trails.
• Panasonic TS1: Limited sensitivity and no manual long exposure modes restrict astrophotography.

Video Recording

• Nikon P340: 1080p HD with stabilization supports casual vlogging.
• Panasonic TS1: Limited to 720p but rugged for underwater video clips.

Travel and Adventure Photography

• Nikon P340: Excellent for varied conditions with creativity.
• Panasonic TS1: Go-anywhere ruggedness supports active lifestyles where conditions are harsh.

Professional Use

• Nikon P340: While not a pro-level tool, RAW files and manual control make it a reliable backup or secondary camera.
• Panasonic TS1: Not targeted at professionals; more a casual/outdoors camera.

Nikon P340 front Nikon P340 screen back Panasonic TS1 front Panasonic TS1 screen back

Trusted Scores and Final Ratings Summary

Here is a snapshot of expert scoring metrics from our comprehensive evaluation:

Photography Genre Ratings

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Go for the Nikon P340 if you:

• Prioritize image quality, especially low-light, portraits, and landscapes.
• Want manual control over exposure for creative shooting.
• Shoot videos in Full HD with decent stabilization.
• Desire RAW support to maximize post-processing.
• Shoot casual sports or wildlife with fast burst and AF tracking.
• Don’t need rugged waterproofing but want a compact, pocketable design.

Prefer the Panasonic Lumix TS1 if you:

• Need a durable, waterproof camera for diving, hiking, or tough environments.
• Value simplicity and automatic operation for snapshot shooting.
• Don’t require exceptional image quality or manual exposure control.
• Want a compact camera that can handle drops, dust, and water without extra protection.
• Don’t mind limited video and no RAW files.
• Want a reliable “take anywhere” outdoor adventure camera.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Both the Nikon P340 and Panasonic TS1 have unique strengths tailored to different user needs. The P340 is oriented towards enthusiasts who want more creative flexibility and superior image quality in a compact form. The TS1 focuses on ruggedness and simplicity for adventure seekers who prioritize function over form.

Our testing methodology combined lab benchmarks with in-field shooting across genres to reveal these nuances. We encourage you to consider how you shoot, what environments you emphasize, and which features align with your creative goals.

If possible, visit a camera store to handle both, check real image and video samples, and weigh ergonomic preferences before buying. Find the right accessories - extra batteries, memory cards, protective cases - to get the most from your choice.

Happy shooting!

Your next camera is a tool on your journey to creating memorable images. Whether rugged or refined, pick the one that empowers your vision.