Panasonic S1 vs Panasonic ZS20

Lets look closer at the Panasonic S1 versus Panasonic ZS20, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the S1 (24MP) and ZS20 (14MP) and the S1 (Full frame) and ZS20 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

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The S1 was released 6 years later than the ZS20 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the S1 matches up against the ZS20 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic S1 offers external measurements of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") and a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic S1 versus Panasonic ZS20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the S1 compared to the ZS20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the S1 and ZS20 is 54 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through specs. The graphic here may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the S1 and ZS20.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S1 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic S1 will give extra detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more modern S1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.