Nikon P500 vs Panasonic ZS45

Its time to look closer at the Nikon P500 and Panasonic ZS45, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the P500 (12MP) and ZS45 (16MP) but they come with the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The P500 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the ZS45 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Nikon P500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summation of how the P500 grades against the ZS45 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix P500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The full galleries are provided at Nikon P500 Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Nikon P500 comes with outer dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 103mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 4.1") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has specifications of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Nikon P500 and Panasonic ZS45 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the P500 vs the ZS45.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the P500 and ZS45 is 67 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading through specifications. The image here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the P500 and ZS45.

To sum up, each of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS45 to give greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged P500 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.