Nikon S01 vs Panasonic FS15
97 Imaging
33 Features
16 Overall
26


95 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27
Nikon S01 vs Panasonic FS15 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.9" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 1280 x 720 video
- 29-87mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 96g - 77 x 52 x 17mm
- Announced June 2013
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600 (Raise to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 29-145mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 136g - 97 x 54 x 22mm
- Launched January 2009

Nikon S01 vs Panasonic FS15 Overview
In this write-up, we will be matching up the Nikon S01 and Panasonic FS15, both Ultracompact digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S01 (10MP) and the FS15 (12MP) is relatively similar but the S01 (1/2.9") and FS15 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizes.

The S01 was manufactured 4 years after the FS15 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).
Before delving through a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the S01 matches up vs the FS15 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon S01 vs Panasonic FS15 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S01 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon S01 Gallery and Panasonic FS15 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S01 over the Panasonic FS15
S01 | FS15 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | June 2013 | ![]() | January 2009 | More modern by 54 months |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Panasonic FS15 over the Nikon S01
FS15 | S01 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen sizing | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Common features in the Nikon S01 and Panasonic FS15
S01 | FS15 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen |
Nikon S01 vs Panasonic FS15 Physical Comparison
In case you're going to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon S01 enjoys physical measurements of 77mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.0" x 2.0" x 0.7") having a weight of 96 grams (0.21 lbs) and the Panasonic FS15 has specifications of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).
Look at the Nikon S01 and Panasonic FS15 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the S01 and the FS15.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S01 and FS15 is 97 and 95 respectively.

Nikon S01 vs Panasonic FS15 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, its hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading specs. The image underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the S01 and FS15.
As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S01 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FS15 will deliver greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern S01 should have an edge in sensor tech.

Nikon S01 vs Panasonic FS15 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S01 vs Panasonic FS15 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S01 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix S01 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 |
Category | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Announced | 2013-06-21 | 2009-01-16 |
Body design | Ultracompact | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed C2 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.9" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 4.96 x 3.72mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 18.5mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 |
Highest Possible resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 1600 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | - | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | - | 11 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 29-87mm (3.0x) | 29-145mm (5.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.3-5.9 | f/3.3-5.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 5cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 7.3 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.5 inch | 2.7 inch |
Screen resolution | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Screen technology | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 1 seconds | 60 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 2.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 1.20 m | - |
Flash modes | - | Auto, Auto Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 640x480 |
Video data format | - | Motion JPEG |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 96g (0.21 pounds) | 136g (0.30 pounds) |
Dimensions | 77 x 52 x 17mm (3.0" x 2.0" x 0.7") | 97 x 54 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 190 shots | - |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | Built-in | - |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | - | SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | - | Single |
Launch price | $170 | $180 |