Nikon S32 vs Panasonic ZS20

Following is a complete review of the Nikon S32 vs Panasonic ZS20, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the S32 (13MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the S32 (1/3") and ZS20 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The S32 was unveiled 22 months after the ZS20 making them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the S32 grades against the ZS20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S32 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The full galleries are provided at Nikon S32 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S32 comes with outside measurements of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") and a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S32 vs Panasonic ZS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the S32 against the ZS20.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S32 and ZS20 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The picture here may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the S32 and ZS20.

As you can tell, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S32 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS20 will give more detail having an extra 1MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more modern S32 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.