Panasonic FZ1000 vs Panasonic S2: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When it comes to choosing a compact camera that balances portability with respectable image quality, Panasonic has offered a diverse lineup addressing different needs and budgets. Today, we dive deep into a hands-on comparison of two strikingly different Panasonic models: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 (FZ1000), a large sensor superzoom bridge camera released in 2014, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 (S2), a more modest small-sensor compact from 2012.

While both cameras fall under the “fixed lens” category and share the Lumix brand DNA, they cater to very different users and photographic ambitions. Our analysis, based on testing image quality, usability, speed, and features across photography genres, aims to help you determine which camera aligns best with your shooting style and aspirations.

First Impressions: Design and Handling

Ergonomics and Build

Right out of the gate, the FZ1000 asserts itself as a substantial bridge-style camera with physical dimensions of 137 x 99 x 131 mm and weighing 831 grams. Its robust grip, SLR-like body, and thoughtfully placed buttons make it feel like a serious photographic tool. In contrast, the S2 is petite and lightweight - almost pocketable at 98 x 57 x 21 mm and just 112 grams. It aims to be an ultra-portable everyday snapshot device.

The FZ1000’s body ergonomics are ideal for extended handheld shooting, with a comfortable grip and easy access to dials for aperture and shutter speed, supporting creative manual control. The S2’s tiny size and fixed lens design mean fewer physical controls and a more simplified interface, limiting your control but maximizing portability.

Interface and Controls

Looking from above, the FZ1000 features dedicated dials for Aperture, Shutter, and Mode Selection. There's a well-sized electronic viewfinder (EVF) at eye level for stable framing, which is crucial when zoomed in or in bright conditions.

The S2 offers no viewfinder, relying instead on a small fixed LCD screen. It lacks manual exposure modes - no shutter or aperture priority, no manual exposure - geared toward simple point-and-shoot operation. This makes it beginner-friendly but limiting if you want to grow creatively.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor Comparison

This is where the gap widens dramatically.

• FZ1000: Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm with 20 megapixels resolution.
• S2: Uses a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor sized 6.08 x 4.56 mm and 14 megapixels.

The area of the FZ1000’s sensor is over four times that of the S2's. Larger sensors typically translate to better image quality, especially in low light, broader dynamic range, and finer tonal gradations.

Technical Notes:

• The FZ1000's CMOS tech allows for faster readout speeds, better noise characteristics, and improved video capture.
• The S2’s older CCD sensor favors good color rendition in bright daylight but struggles at higher ISO sensitivity.

Image Quality Metrics

According to DXOmark data (where available), the FZ1000 scores notably higher:

While the S2 lacks formal benchmarking, from hands-on experience, you’ll see:

• FZ1000 delivers crisp, detailed photos with well-controlled noise up to ISO 3200.
• S2 performs optimally only at base ISO, with noise and loss of detail above ISO 400 becoming evident.

Resolution and Sharpness

The FZ1000’s 5472x3648 max resolution offers more cropping ability while retaining quality, beneficial in wildlife and sports photography. The S2's 4320x3240 resolution is adequate for everyday prints but less forgiving when cropping or enlarging.

Taking Control: Autofocus and Exposure Systems

Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

The autofocus system in a camera determines how well you can capture fast-moving subjects or nail critical focus in challenging conditions.

The FZ1000’s advanced contrast-based AF system, including continuous AF and tracking, enables it to keep pace with wildlife, sports, and candid photography. The 12 fps burst mode pairs well with this for capturing fleeting moments.

The S2's autofocus is basic single AF, slower, and less accurate for moving targets, limiting its versatility.

Exposure Mode Flexibility

The FZ1000 shines with full manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program modes. Exposure compensation and custom white balance are standard. This lets you craft images precisely your way.

The S2 offers only automatic exposure - so you hand over control to the camera, ideal for novices or casual photo-taking but frustrating if you want creative input.

Versatility in Lenses and Zoom

Lens Specifications

The FZ1000’s superzoom capability provides immense versatility, letting you shoot wide-angle landscapes or close-up wildlife without changing lenses. Its bright maximum aperture at the wide end allows some subject separation and low-light work. The S2’s 4x zoom and slower lens restrict your framing flexibility and low-light performance.

Note that both cameras have fixed lenses - no option to swap glass. This makes lens quality and range critical.

What You See Is What You Get: Viewfinders and Screens

LCD Screen and EVF

The FZ1000 sports a fully articulated 3-inch LCD with 921k dots plus a bright electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dots resolution covering 100% of the frame. This combination is fantastic for composing in various situations, including bright sunlight or awkward angles.

The S2’s 2.7-inch fixed TFT screen at 230k dots lacks articulation, and the absence of a viewfinder means you'll rely solely on the display which can be difficult outdoors.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

We extensively tested both cameras in different scenarios to measure relative strengths and limitations.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The FZ1000’s larger sensor and f/2.8 aperture deliver pleasant subject separation and creamy bokeh, especially at wider focal lengths for flattering portraits. Its face detection and eye detection autofocus systems lock focus accurately on eyes, critical when shooting portraits.

The S2’s smaller sensor and slower lens mean deeper depth of field, resulting in less background blur and less dimensionality in portraits. Face detection is basic, and graceful skin tone rendering is less consistent.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Here, the FZ1000’s wider dynamic range and higher resolution help you capture vibrant, detailed landscapes with rich tonal gradation from shadows to highlights. Although weather sealing is absent on both, the FZ1000's sturdier build enhances durability in moderate conditions.

The S2 is good for casual landscape shots but struggles with dynamic scenes like sunsets or high-contrast days due to limited sensor capabilities.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Shooting

Thanks to 12 fps continuous shooting and 49 AF points with tracking, the FZ1000 is far superior for wildlife and sports photography. Its long 400 mm reach enables tight framing of distant subjects.

The S2’s modest 2 fps burst rate and simple AF mean it cannot reliably capture fast action or moving animals. Use it for slow-moving or posed subjects only.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

The S2 wins on stealth and convenience - small, light, simple. Great for quick snapshots when you want to stay unobtrusive.

The FZ1000 is larger and more conspicuous, but its wide zoom and fast autofocus offer flexibility. If you don’t mind the size, it beats the S2 in image quality and low-light ability on the street.

Macro Photography: Close Focus and Stabilization

Both cameras offer decent macro capabilities:

• FZ1000 can focus as close as 3 cm with optical stabilization aiding handheld shots.
• S2’s minimum macro distance is 5 cm with optical IS, but image sharpness and resolution are less impressive.

The FZ1000’s higher resolution sensor better captures fine macro detail.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure

The FZ1000 excels with a max native ISO of 12,800 and boosted ISO of 25,600, backed by low noise levels and manual shutter up to 1/4000s plus time lapse.

The S2 maxes out at ISO 6400 but noise and limited exposure options hamper night sky photography.

Video Capabilities: 4K and Audio Support

The FZ1000 supports UHD 4K video recording at 30p, plus full HD at 60p, with built-in microphone jack and timelapse recording - ideal for vloggers and multimedia creators.

The S2 offers only 720p video without external mic input. Its older Motion JPEG format limits video quality and editing flexibility.

Panasonic FZ1000 front Panasonic FZ1000 screen back Panasonic S2 front Panasonic S2 screen back

Image Samples and Quality Look

The gallery above shows how much of a difference sensor size and lens quality make. Notice the crisper detail, better color fidelity, and bokeh of the FZ1000 shots compared to the S2, which exhibits more noise, softer detail, and limited dynamic range.

Battery Life and Storage

• FZ1000: Rated for around 360 shots per charge using a proprietary rechargeable 7.2V battery. Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• S2: Less demanding, rated around 280 shots per charge with lesser capacity battery. Accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC plus internal storage.

Higher battery life and UHS card support make the FZ1000 more travel- and long-session friendly.

Connectivity and Extras

The FZ1000 includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer and control from smartphones - a feature important for modern workflow. It also has HDMI output for monitoring.

The S2 has no wireless features, no HDMI, and limited USB 2.0 support, constraining connectivity.

How Do They Score?

The overall ratings indicate the FZ1000’s clear edge in sensor performance, autofocus speed, video capability, and handling.

In the genre analysis, the FZ1000 dominates in sports, wildlife, and landscape, while the S2 suits snapshots and travel where size is paramount and demands are minimal.

Summary Table of Key Differences

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

The Panasonic FZ1000 is a remarkable “bridge” camera for enthusiasts and prosumers who:

• Want a versatile camera with a superzoom capable of wildlife, sports, portraits, landscapes, and video.
• Appreciate manual controls and creative flexibility.
• Need good video specs including 4K.
• Value the presence of an EVF for bright environments.
• Seek a rugged, all-in-one travel solution without carrying multiple lenses.

Choose the FZ1000 if you can invest in a capable camera and want a serious tool for ambitious, high-quality photography and video.

If your priorities are:

• Ultra-lightweight, pocket-friendly convenience for casual snapshots.
• Keeping costs extremely low.
• Minimal complexity without needing manual settings.
• Basic family snapshots or travel documentation.

The Panasonic S2 is adequate as a simple compact camera. Its modest zoom and sensor limit quality and control but make it a no-fuss option you can carry everywhere.

Final Thoughts: Evolving Needs and Your Photography Journey

Our comparative review underscores how sensor size, lens quality, and camera ergonomics profoundly impact image quality and creative potential. The FZ1000, despite being nearly a decade old, remains a potent large-sensor superzoom solution for enthusiasts ready to up their craft. It balances power and portability uniquely.

The S2 is a nostalgic holdover from an era when compact cameras aimed at pure convenience. Today, smartphones have surpassed its feature set, signaling it is mainly of interest if you want a dedicated budget fixed-lens camera without fuss.

We encourage you to try both cameras in person, feel the ergonomics, and experiment with their control interfaces whenever possible. Cameras are tools shaped by your style, and hands-on experience trumps specification sheets every time.

For serious photography and videography, the Panasonic FZ1000 represents a practical, cost-effective entry into quality 1-inch sensor superzoom cameras. To get started, check out compatible batteries, memory cards, and consider a sturdy carrying case for travel.

No matter which Panasonic you choose, keep shooting, exploring, and developing your eye - that’s what truly shapes your image-making journey.

If you found this comparison helpful, consider exploring other models in Panasonic’s Lumix line or hybrid mirrorless systems for even higher image quality and lens flexibility.

Happy shooting!