Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1
90 Imaging
32 Features
18 Overall
26


96 Imaging
35 Features
21 Overall
29
Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Key Specs
(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
(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

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.

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.

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S30 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon S30 Gallery & Panasonic S1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S30 over the Panasonic S1
S30 | S1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | February 2012 | ![]() | January 2011 | More 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 type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display sizing | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Equivalent display measurement |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Equal 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.
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.

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

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 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S30 vs Panasonic S1 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S30 | Panasonic 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 |