Nikon S6500 vs Panasonic ZS20
92 Imaging
39 Features
51 Overall
43


92 Imaging
37 Features
46 Overall
40
Nikon S6500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-300mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 250g - 95 x 58 x 26mm
- Released January 2013
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-480mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
- 206g - 105 x 59 x 28mm
- Announced April 2012
- Also referred to as Lumix DMC-TZ30
- Old Model is Panasonic ZS15
- Later Model is Panasonic ZS25

Nikon S6500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Overview
Here, we will be evaluating the Nikon S6500 versus Panasonic ZS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the S6500 (16MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras offer the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The S6500 was brought out 9 months after the ZS20 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the S6500 scores versus the ZS20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon S6500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S6500 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The entire galleries are available at Nikon S6500 Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S6500 over the Panasonic ZS20
S6500 | ZS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | January 2013 | ![]() | April 2012 | More modern by 9 months |
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial precise focusing |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS20 over the Nikon S6500
ZS20 | S6500 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Nikon S6500 and Panasonic ZS20
S6500 | ZS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen sizing |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen |
Nikon S6500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon S6500 enjoys exterior dimensions of 95mm x 58mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 1.0") along with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon S6500 versus Panasonic ZS20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the S6500 compared to the ZS20.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S6500 and ZS20 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Nikon S6500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is very tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes just by seeing specs. The image below might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the S6500 and ZS20.
All in all, the 2 cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You can count on the Nikon S6500 to provide more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The newer S6500 provides a benefit in sensor technology.

Nikon S6500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S6500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S6500 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix S6500 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 |
Other name | - | Lumix DMC-TZ30 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2013-01-08 | 2012-04-26 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 14MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4320 x 3240 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | - | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 25-300mm (12.0x) | 24-480mm (20.0x) |
Max aperture | f/2.8-5.9 | f/3.3-6.4 |
Macro focusing range | 5cm | 3cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 460k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Screen tech | AMOLED display | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 8 secs | 15 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 10.0 frames/s | 10.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 3.50 m | 6.40 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 480fps (176 x 128), 240fps (384 x 288) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 250 gr (0.55 pounds) | 206 gr (0.45 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 95 x 58 x 26mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 1.0") | 105 x 59 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 260 photographs |
Battery type | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | SLB-10A | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Double) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | One | One |
Pricing at release | $170 | $349 |