Nikon P7100 vs Panasonic ZS15

Let's examine more closely at the Nikon P7100 versus Panasonic ZS15, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the P7100 (10MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the P7100 (1/1.7") and ZS15 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The P7100 was revealed 4 months earlier than the ZS15 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the P7100 matches up vs the ZS15 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix P7100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The full galleries are available at Nikon P7100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon P7100 features external measurements of 116mm x 77mm x 48mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 1.9") with a weight of 395 grams (0.87 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS15 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check the Nikon P7100 versus Panasonic ZS15 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the P7100 and the ZS15.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the P7100 and ZS15 is 82 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking technical specs. The graphic below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the P7100 and ZS15.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The P7100 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS15 will give greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively.