Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20
92 Imaging
42 Features
37 Overall
40


92 Imaging
37 Features
46 Overall
40
Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-550mm (F) lens
- 205g - 110 x 60 x 31mm
- Revealed January 2013
- Succeeded the Nikon S9300
- Refreshed by Nikon S9700
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-480mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
- 206g - 105 x 59 x 28mm
- Revealed April 2012
- Additionally referred to as Lumix DMC-TZ30
- Replaced the Panasonic ZS15
- Updated by Panasonic ZS25

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Overview
Below, we are evaluating the Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the S9500 (18MP) and ZS20 (14MP) but they use the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The S9500 was announced 10 months after the ZS20 which means that they are of a similar age. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).
Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the S9500 scores versus the ZS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S9500 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon S9500 Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon S9500 over the Panasonic ZS20
S9500 | ZS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2013 | ![]() | April 2012 | More modern by 10 months |
Display resolution | 614k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer display (+154k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS20 over the Nikon S9500
ZS20 | S9500 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Nikon S9500 and Panasonic ZS20
S9500 | ZS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Lack of manual focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical display sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen |
Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Physical Comparison
When you are looking to carry around your camera, you have to consider its weight and size. The Nikon S9500 enjoys physical measurements of 110mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).
Compare the Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the S9500 against the ZS20.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S9500 and ZS20 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is very hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes merely by researching specifications. The picture underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the S9500 and ZS20.
To sum up, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different megapixels. You can anticipate the Nikon S9500 to render extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The newer S9500 should have a benefit in sensor technology.

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon S9500 vs Panasonic ZS20 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix S9500 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model | Nikon Coolpix S9500 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 |
Otherwise known as | - | Lumix DMC-TZ30 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Revealed | 2013-01-29 | 2012-04-26 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.16 x 4.62mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.5mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 18MP | 14MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4896 x 3672 | 4320 x 3240 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 125 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | 99 | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 25-550mm (22.0x) | 24-480mm (20.0x) |
Max aperture | - | f/3.3-6.4 |
Macro focus range | - | 3cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 614k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display technology | OLED monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 4 secs | 15 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/1500 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 7.5fps | 10.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | - | 6.40 m |
Flash settings | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure 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 | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | - | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
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 | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 205 gr (0.45 pounds) | 206 gr (0.45 pounds) |
Dimensions | 110 x 60 x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") | 105 x 59 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
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 | 230 pictures | 260 pictures |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL12 | - |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Retail price | $230 | $349 |