Nikon S30 vs Panasonic ZS35

Below is a extensive assessment of the Nikon S30 versus Panasonic ZS35, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the S30 (10MP) and ZS35 (16MP) and the S30 (1/3") and ZS35 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The S30 was launched 23 months prior to the ZS35 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the S30 matches up vs the ZS35 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon S30 Gallery and Panasonic ZS35 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll 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") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS35 has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs).

See the Nikon S30 versus Panasonic ZS35 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the S30 and the ZS35.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the S30 and ZS35 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements only by checking out specs. The visual below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the S30 and ZS35.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The S30 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Panasonic ZS35 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older S30 will be behind in sensor innovation.