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Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15

Portability
90
Imaging
34
Features
18
Overall
27
Nikon Coolpix S31 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 front
Portability
92
Imaging
36
Features
37
Overall
36

Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 Key Specs

Nikon S31
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/2.9" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 29-87mm (F) lens
  • 185g - 105 x 65 x 42mm
  • Launched June 2013
Panasonic ZS15
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-384mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 208g - 105 x 58 x 33mm
  • Launched June 2012
  • Other Name is Lumix DMC-TZ25
  • Newer Model is Panasonic ZS20
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Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 Overview

Lets look a bit more closely at the Nikon S31 and Panasonic ZS15, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S31 (10MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is pretty similar but the S31 (1/2.9") and ZS15 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The S31 was released 12 months after the ZS15 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick summary of how the S31 scores against the ZS15 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Nikon S31 over the Panasonic ZS15

 S31 ZS15 
LaunchedJune 2013June 2012More modern by 12 months

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS15 over the Nikon S31

 ZS15 S31 
Screen dimension3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Screen resolution460k230kSharper screen (+230k dot)

Common features in the Nikon S31 and Panasonic ZS15

 S31 ZS15 
Manually focus No manual focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Neither provides selfie screen
Touch screen Lack of Touch screen

Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 Physical Comparison

When you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon S31 provides external measurements of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS15 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Compare the Nikon S31 and Panasonic ZS15 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the S31 vs the ZS15.

Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 size comparison

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S31 and ZS15 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 top view buttons comparison

Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, it is hard to see the difference between sensor sizes purely by going over technical specs. The picture here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the S31 and ZS15.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S31 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic ZS15 will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The fresher S31 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.

Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 sensor size comparison

Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon S31 Portrait photography features
Panasonic ZS15 Portrait photography features
20
no manual focus
no manual control
can't use external flash
low megapixels (10 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.9")
does not have RAW files
21
lack of manual focus
no external flash support
megapixel count low (12MP)
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
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Street Comparison

Nikon S31 Street photography factors
Panasonic ZS15 Street photography factors
52
environment proof
fixed screen
lack of image stabilization
small sensor size (1/2.9")
does not have RAW files
61
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition in class (208g)
no articulating screen
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
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Sports Comparison

Nikon S31 Sports photography info
Panasonic ZS15 Sports photography info
25
environment proof
lack of shutter priority mode
lack of image stabilization
low megapixels (10 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.9")
does not have phase detect AF
36
great zoom range (24-384mm 16.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
provides tracking autofocus
painfully slow continuous shooting (2.0 frames per second)
megapixel count low (12MP)
small sensor (1/2.3")
terrible battery life (260 CIPA)
doesn't have phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon S31 Travel photography advice
Panasonic ZS15 Travel photography advice
59
environment proof
flash built-in
good max aperture (f)
doesn't have Time Lapse function
low megapixels (10 megapixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
wide angle not fantastic (29mm)
61
lighter than competition in class (208 grams)
flash built-in
decently wide (24mm)
very long zoom (384mm)
no Time Lapse mode
terrible battery life (260 shots)
megapixel count low (12MP)
does not posses selfie friendly display
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon S31 Landscape photography features
Panasonic ZS15 Landscape photography features
30
good max aperture (f)
environment proof
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not fantastic (29mm)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inch)
no manual control
lack of image stabilization
low megapixels (10MP)
small sensor size (1/2.9")
does not have RAW files
doesn't have Time Lapse function
37
decently wide (24mm)
screen size is good (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Optical)
lack of manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
terrible battery life (260 shots)
no Time Lapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon S31
Vlogging with Panasonic ZS15
24
good max aperture (f)
wide angle not fantastic (29mm)
screen is not selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
low res video (1280 x 720 pxls)
doesn't have external mic jack
33
decently wide (24mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
high video quality (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than competition in class (208 grams)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
does not posses selfie friendly display
no external mic support
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Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS15 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon S31 and Panasonic ZS15
 Nikon Coolpix S31Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Panasonic
Model Nikon Coolpix S31 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15
Also Known as - Lumix DMC-TZ25
Category Waterproof Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched 2013-06-21 2012-06-29
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.9" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 4.96 x 3.72mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 18.5mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 10MP 12MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio - 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Max resolution 3648 x 2736 4000 x 3000
Max native ISO 1600 6400
Lowest native ISO 80 100
RAW files
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Number of focus points - 23
Cross focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 29-87mm (3.0x) 24-384mm (16.0x)
Highest aperture - f/3.3-5.9
Macro focus distance - 3cm
Focal length multiplier 7.3 5.8
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 2.7 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 230k dots 460k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 4s 15s
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter rate - 2.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range - 6.40 m
Flash options - Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video data format - MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 185 gr (0.41 pounds) 208 gr (0.46 pounds)
Dimensions 105 x 65 x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") 105 x 58 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 260 images 260 images
Battery style Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL12 -
Self timer - Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD / SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots 1 1
Retail pricing $90 $279