Clicky

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1

Portability
90
Imaging
32
Features
18
Overall
26
Nikon Coolpix S30 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 front
Portability
96
Imaging
35
Features
21
Overall
29

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Key Specs

Nikon S30
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 29-87mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 214g - 102 x 65 x 40mm
  • Launched February 2012
Panasonic S1
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-112mm (F3.1-5.6) lens
  • 117g - 99 x 59 x 21mm
  • Launched January 2011
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Overview

In this write-up, we are looking at the Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S30 (10MP) and the S1 (12MP) is very well matched but the S30 (1/3") and S1 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

The S30 was introduced 14 months after the S1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the S30 scores versus the S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

        

Reasons to pick Nikon S30 over the Panasonic S1

 S30 S1 
LaunchedFebruary 2012January 2011More modern by 14 months

Reasons to pick Panasonic S1 over the Nikon S30

 S1 S30 

Common features in the Nikon S30 and Panasonic S1

 S30 S1 
Manually focus Lack of manual focus
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display sizing2.7"2.7"Equivalent display measurement
Display resolution230k230kEqual display resolution
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen
Touch display Missing Touch display

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Physical Comparison

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon S30 comes with exterior measurements of 102mm x 65mm x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Panasonic S1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Compare the Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the S30 compared to the S1.

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability score of the S30 and S1 is 90 and 96 respectively.

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 top view buttons comparison

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Sensor Comparison

In many cases, it is tough to see the difference between sensor sizes merely by looking at specifications. The image below may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the S30 and S1.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S30 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic S1 will resolve extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The newer S30 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 sensor size comparison

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon S30
Portrait photography with Panasonic S1
24
has face detect autofocus
no manual focus
manual mode not possible
cannot use external flash
MP count low (10MP)
small sensor (1/3")
doesn't have RAW format
21
lack of manual focus
manual exposure not possible
cannot use external flash
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW files
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Street Comparison

Nikon S30 Street photography factors
Panasonic S1 Street photography factors
51
weather sealing
fixed screen
lack of image stabilization
small sensor (1/3")
doesn't have RAW format
more heavy than average in class (214 grams)
63
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition in class (117g)
no moving screen
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW files
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Nikon S30
Sports photography with Panasonic S1
28
high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
weather sealing
very slow continuous shooting (1.5 fps)
no shutter priority mode
lack of image stabilization
MP count low (10MP)
small sensor (1/3")
doesn't have phase detect autofocus
27
image stabilization (Optical)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no phase detect autofocus
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Travel Comparison

Nikon S30 Travel photography highlights
Panasonic S1 Travel photography highlights
52
weather sealing
flash built-in
missing Timelapse recording
more heavy than average in class (214 grams)
MP count low (10 megapixels)
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
wide angle not good (29mm)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
62
lighter than competition in class (117 grams)
has built in flash
relatively wide (28mm)
does not have Time Lapse recording
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
display is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
Photography Glossary

Landscape Comparison

Nikon S30 Landscape photography highlights
Panasonic S1 Landscape photography highlights
25
weather sealing
no manual focus
cannot change lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not good (29mm)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
tiny screen (2.7 inches)
manual mode not possible
lack of image stabilization
MP count low (10MP)
small sensor (1/3")
doesn't have RAW format
missing Timelapse recording
32
relatively wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
lack of manual focus
can't change lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
small screen (2.7 inch)
manual exposure not possible
sensor resolution low (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW files
does not have Time Lapse recording
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S30 Vlogging information
Panasonic S1 Vlogging information
23
has face detect autofocus
wide angle not good (29mm)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
lack of image stabilization
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pxls)
missing microphone socket
more heavy than average in class (214g)
31
relatively wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition in class (117 grams)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
display is not selfie friendly
low video resolution (1280 x 720 resolution)
does not have mic port
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S30 and Panasonic S1
 Nikon Coolpix S30Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Panasonic
Model type Nikon Coolpix S30 Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1
Category Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Compact
Launched 2012-02-01 2011-01-05
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Chip - Venus Engine IV
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 4.8 x 3.6mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 17.3mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 10 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 3648 x 2736 4000 x 3000
Highest native ISO 1600 6400
Lowest native ISO 80 100
RAW support
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points - 11
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 29-87mm (3.0x) 28-112mm (4.0x)
Maximum aperture f/3.3-5.9 f/3.1-5.6
Macro focusing distance 5cm 5cm
Crop factor 7.5 5.9
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 2.7 inches 2.7 inches
Resolution of display 230 thousand dot 230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Display technology TFT-LCD TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30 seconds 8 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/8000 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 1.5 frames/s -
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance - 3.30 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) 1280 x 720 (30fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video format MPEG-4 Motion JPEG
Mic jack
Headphone jack
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 214 gr (0.47 pounds) 117 gr (0.26 pounds)
Dimensions 102 x 65 x 40mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.6") 99 x 59 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8")
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 240 pictures 240 pictures
Battery form AA Battery Pack
Battery ID 2 x AA -
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots 1 1
Price at release $119 $269