Nikon S32 vs Panasonic FX580

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Nikon S32 and Panasonic FX580, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S32 (13MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is pretty close but the S32 (1/3") and FX580 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S32 was introduced 5 years later than the FX580 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the S32 grades against the FX580 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S32 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon S32 Gallery and Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon S32 comes with outer measurements of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX580 has sizing of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Nikon S32 and Panasonic FX580 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the S32 compared to the FX580.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S32 and FX580 is 90 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing technical specs. The graphic below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the S32 and FX580.

As you have seen, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S32 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh tougher and the Nikon S32 will result in more detail using its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The fresher S32 provides a benefit in sensor tech.