Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic ZS20

Below is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic FH1 and Panasonic ZS20, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FH1 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is relatively well matched and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FH1 was announced 3 years earlier than the ZS20 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the FH1 matches up vs the ZS20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FH1 comes with physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH1 and Panasonic ZS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the FH1 versus the ZS20.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FH1 and ZS20 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reading through specifications. The visual below may give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH1 and ZS20.

To sum up, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic ZS20 to resolve greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older FH1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.