Panasonic ZS200 vs Samsung HZ50W

The following is a in depth overview of the Panasonic ZS200 vs Samsung HZ50W, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Samsung. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the ZS200 (20MP) and HZ50W (14MP) and the ZS200 (1") and HZ50W (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ZS200 was revealed 7 years after the HZ50W which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Samsung HZ50W being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the ZS200 matches up against the HZ50W when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 and Samsung HZ50W. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery and Samsung HZ50W Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor in 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) whilst the Samsung HZ50W has specifications of 116mm x 83mm x 91mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS200 vs Samsung HZ50W in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS200 and the HZ50W.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS200 and HZ50W is 86 and 70 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions just by reading specifications. The picture below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS200 and HZ50W.

Plainly, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS200 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS200 will offer extra detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger ZS200 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.