Panasonic S1 vs Panasonic ZS15

Following is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic S1 and Panasonic ZS15, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the S1 (24MP) and ZS15 (12MP) and the S1 (Full frame) and ZS15 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S1 was manufactured 6 years after the ZS15 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the S1 matches up vs the ZS15 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S1 provides outer measurements of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") having a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS15 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S1 and Panasonic ZS15 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the S1 against the ZS15.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S1 and ZS15 is 54 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor sizes simply by checking out technical specs. The picture below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the S1 and ZS15.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S1 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic S1 will show extra detail due to its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more modern S1 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.