Panasonic ZS200 vs Panasonic S2

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic ZS200 versus Panasonic S2, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the ZS200 (20MP) and S2 (14MP) and the ZS200 (1") and S2 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS200 was introduced 6 years after the S2 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the ZS200 matches up versus the S2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery & Panasonic S2 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS200 provides outer dimensions of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs) and the Panasonic S2 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS200 versus Panasonic S2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS200 and the S2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS200 and S2 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions only by going through a spec sheet. The pic here may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS200 and S2.

Clearly, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS200 using its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS200 will produce greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern ZS200 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.