Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS50

Its time to examine more closely at the Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS50, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S31 (10MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is fairly similar but the S31 (1/2.9") and ZS50 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The S31 was introduced 18 months before the ZS50 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the S31 matches up vs the ZS50 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S31 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The whole galleries are available at Nikon S31 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon S31 features exterior dimensions of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS50 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Nikon S31 vs Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the S31 vs the ZS50.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the S31 and ZS50 is 90 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reviewing specs. The pic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the S31 and ZS50.

All in all, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S31 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic ZS50 will offer extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged S31 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.