Nikon P340 vs Panasonic ZS20

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Nikon P340 and Panasonic ZS20, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the P340 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is relatively similar but the P340 (1/1.7") and ZS20 (1/2.3") come with different sensor measurements.

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The P340 was brought out 22 months later than the ZS20 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the P340 matches up vs the ZS20 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P340 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon P340 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Nikon P340 enjoys external measurements of 103mm x 58mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 194 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS20 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Nikon P340 and Panasonic ZS20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the P340 compared to the ZS20.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the P340 and ZS20 is 92 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by going over specs. The visual below should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the P340 and ZS20.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The P340 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS20 will offer you extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent P340 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.