Nikon P500 vs Panasonic ZS1

Let's take a closer look at the Nikon P500 and Panasonic ZS1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the P500 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is pretty similar but the P500 (1/2.3") and ZS1 (1/2.5") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The P500 was manufactured 22 months after the ZS1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Nikon P500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick overview of how the P500 scores against the ZS1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix P500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon P500 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Nikon P500 enjoys physical dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 103mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 4.1") along with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS1 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Nikon P500 and Panasonic ZS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the P500 against the ZS1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the P500 and ZS1 is 67 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The pic here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the P500 and ZS1.

As you have seen, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The P500 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Nikon P500 will offer more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more recent P500 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.