Nikon S30 vs Panasonic ZS80

Let's look more closely at the Nikon S30 versus Panasonic ZS80, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the S30 (10MP) and ZS80 (20MP) and the S30 (1/3") and ZS80 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The S30 was released 7 years prior to the ZS80 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the S30 grades vs the ZS80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S30 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The complete galleries are available at Nikon S30 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S30 features external dimensions of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S30 versus Panasonic ZS80 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the S30 compared to the ZS80.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S30 and ZS80 is 90 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S30 and ZS80.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S30 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS80 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The older S30 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.