Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic S1: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Contenders

When stepping into the world of Panasonic cameras, you’re spoilt for choice, with models catering from casual snapshots to serious enthusiast and professional use. Today, I’m sharing an in-depth comparison of two intriguing Panasonic cameras: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70, a superzoom bridge camera, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1, a compact point-and-shoot from an earlier generation. They cater to similar sensor sizes but represent very different philosophies in design, functionality, and intended use.

I’ve tested thousands of cameras over the years, and with these two, it’s an interesting face-off: the FZ70 boasts an enormous 60x zoom and contemporary features, while the S1 offers a compact ultra-portable profile with a simpler design. Let’s break down how these cameras fare across disciplines and real-world use, starting where the rubber meets the road: size and handling.

Size, Ergonomics, and Build: How They Feel in Your Hands

The Panasonic FZ70 weighs in at 606 grams with dimensions roughly 130 x 97 x 118 mm, sporting an SLR-like bridge camera design with a substantial grip, thumb rest, and a deep lens barrel commanding attention. Contrastingly, the S1 is an ultra-lightweight, truly pocketable compact at just 117 grams and measuring 99 x 59 x 21 mm. Its flat body fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or small bag.

The FZ70’s bulk gives you that reassuring grip and more physical controls, which translates to confidence when you’re zooming all the way out to 1200 mm equivalent focal length. The body feels balanced holding such a large zoom. It’s also weather protection-free, but the plastics are robust for casual outdoor use.

The S1 feels inconspicuous and travel-friendly, easy to stow away and forget about until a photo opportunity appears. It flattens out nicely, but that slim design sacrifices tactile buttons and grip comfort a bit. It’s well suited for shooting on the fly but doesn’t inspire the same level of manual control.

Control Layout and Top Panel Design: Fast Access to Your Settings

Looking down at the controls, the FZ70 leans on a traditional bridge camera layout: a well-sized mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation dial, and customizable function buttons. It’s a joy to operate with one hand once you’re familiar.

On the other hand, the S1 streamlines controls drastically - with minimal dials and mostly menu-driven adjustments - reflecting its point-and-shoot target market and reduced manual exposure options.

If you prefer quick access to shutter priority, aperture priority, or manual exposure, the FZ70 is your friend here. The S1’s limited control scheme can feel frustrating if you like immediate tactile feedback or extensive exposure adjustment.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch sensor, a staple in compact cameras, but there’s a huge difference in sensor technology and resolution.

The FZ70 combines a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor, delivering decent dynamic range and color depth for such a small sensor - a DxOMark overall score of 41 underlines this capability. The sensor area clocks in at 28.07 mm², with an optical low pass (anti-aliasing) filter that maintains image sharpness at the expense of some fine detail under certain conditions.

By contrast, the S1 carries a 12-megapixel CCD sensor - an older tech choice that affects high ISO performance and dynamic range negatively. It’s more prone to noise, with a smaller sensor area of 27.72 mm² and slightly lower processing power (Venus Engine IV). S1’s raw support is non-existent, limiting post-production flexibility.

Image Quality Insights

In practical terms, the FZ70 delivers punchier colors, better detail retention, and improved low-light performance. You can push the ISO up to 3200 native with results that are acceptable for web or modest print sizes. The S1’s max ISO is 6400, but image quality at anything above 400 is considerably degraded, especially in shadows.

If you need higher image quality and file flexibility, the FZ70’s raw support wins hands down. The S1 only offers JPEG outputs, which limits your editing latitude.

The Screens and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shots

When I’m shooting out in the field, a responsive, clear screen and a solid viewfinder can make a world of difference.

The FZ70 sports a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k-dot resolution, lending a sharper live view and easier composition in daylight. It also includes a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) which helps in bright light, especially when you’re hunting shots at extreme telephoto focal lengths.

The S1 features a slightly smaller 2.7-inch LCD, only 230k dots, with no EVF present at all. This means relying entirely on the screen, which can be difficult in direct sunlight.

Ergonomically, the FZ70’s viewfinder and bigger screen offer versatile shooting options including eye-level framing - a critical feature when you hold the camera steady against your face. The S1’s lack of viewfinder requires more careful positioning and steady hands.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) makes or breaks camera usability in fast-moving genres like wildlife or street photography.

The Panasonic FZ70 leverages contrast-detection with 23 focus points and implements face detection and subject tracking. My hands-on experience confirms this AF system is responsive and reasonably quick for a compact superzoom. It also supports continuous AF for video, which is a big plus.

On the other hand, the LUMIX DMC-S1 offers an archaic AF setup - relying solely on contrast-detection with only 11 AF points and no face or eye tracking. The AF speed is sluggish by modern standards, particularly in low light or for moving subjects.

In action, FZ70 is the clear winner for wildlife and sports with a burst rate of 9 fps and more reliable tracking. The S1 isn’t made for such demanding scenarios, better suited for static scenes or casual snaps.

Zoom Range and Lens Flexibility: Where Big Zooms Matter

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the FZ70 is its massive 20-1200 mm (60x optical zoom) fixed lens with a starting aperture of F2.8 at wide angle. This allows incredible reach for wildlife or distant landscapes without carrying extra lenses.

The S1’s lens is a more modest 28-112 mm (4x zoom) with F3.1-5.6 aperture, meaning you’re confined to standard zoom ranges only. Its small size does offer some portability benefits, but versatility is limited.

If you’re looking for ultimate zoom flexibility in a single body - no lens changes - the FZ70 dominates. But if you need something compact with casual zoom, the S1 might satisfy you.

Image Stabilization Performance: Steady Shots at Every Step

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, essential for handholding long focal lengths or shooting in dim lighting.

The FZ70 includes Panasonic’s proven OIS system optimized for its superzoom optics. In practice, this stabilization allows handheld shooting up to mid-zoom range with shutter speeds several stops slower than normal, which is extraordinary for travel or wildlife.

The S1’s OIS is more rudimentary, delivering noticeable benefits but struggles at the lens's longer end and at lower shutter speeds.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Duration and Convenience

The FZ70 uses a rechargeable battery pack rated for about 400 shots per charge, which aligns with its more advanced imaging and processing demands. Paired with a single SD card slot supporting SDHC and SDXC cards, it offers standard storage convenience.

The S1 offers approximately 240 shots per charge, reflecting its smaller sensor and fewer processing features. Again, it uses a single SD card slot.

For travel or extended photoshoots, the FZ70’s improved battery life provides considerable peace of mind, plus it supports quicker handling and shooting.

Video Capabilities: What You Can Expect

Video shooters will find significant differences here.

The FZ70 captures Full HD 1920x1080 video at 50i/60i and 25p/30p, with both AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. Despite lacking mic or headphone ports, it supports continuous autofocus during live video - a plus for casual videography. However, it doesn’t provide advanced video features like 4K or log profiles.

Meanwhile, the S1 is limited to 720p HD recording at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, which is dated and results in larger files. No continuous AF or manual exposure modes for video exist - so you won’t want to depend on the S1 for serious video work.

Real-World Shooting Suitability Across Genres

Let’s bring all these findings into sharp focus by discussing the suitability of each camera across popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters need pleasing skin tone reproduction, creamy bokeh, and reliable eye detection or face AF.

The FZ70’s large zoom doesn’t give you a large sensor or shallow depth of field naturally, but its F2.8 aperture at wide angle and face detection AF help isolate subjects with smooth background blur. Its autofocus tracks faces competently, assisting casual portraits and group shots alike.

The S1’s slower lens and less responsive AF makes portraits a challenge under mixed lighting. Soft backgrounds are almost unattainable given the sensor and lens constraints.

Landscape Photography

Landscape enthusiasts prize dynamic range, resolution, and weather resistance.

The FZ70’s 16 MP resolution and slightly better dynamic range deliver better crispness and detail capture. However, neither camera has weather sealing, so use caution outdoors. The FZ70’s ultra-telephoto lens enables shooting remote mountain vistas or city skylines.

The S1 cannot match resolution or dynamic range here and limits compositions with its narrow zoom.

Wildlife Photography

For wildlife, fast autofocus, extended reach, and burst speed are paramount.

The FZ70 shines here: 60x zoom, 9 fps burst, and decent AF tracking make it a versatile companion for casual wildlife photography.

The S1, with poor AF and limited zoom, is ill-suited for active nature capture.

Sports Photography

Sports demand speed, reliable autofocus tracking, and high frame rates.

Again, the FZ70 offers a better solution with 9 fps shooting and face detection, though its superzoom lens is not a fast telephoto prime. The S1 cannot compete with its slow AF and no burst mode.

Street Photography

Street photographers want discretion, agility, and low-light friendliness.

The S1’s compact size offers unsurpassed portability, making it great for blending in and spontaneous captures. Its modest zoom is adequate for street framing.

The FZ70 is bulkier but offers better image quality and faster AF - if you can handle the size and weight.

Macro Photography

Macro shooting needs close focus distance and sharp image quality.

The FZ70 offers impressive 1cm macro focusing distance, allowing true close-ups with clear detail. The S1’s 5cm minimum focus limits true macro potential.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and noise control are critical here.

The FZ70’s CMOS sensor and noise control at 3200 ISO make it more serviceable in low light or star shooting. The S1’s older CCD sensor introduces heavy grain quickly, restricting night use.

Video Recording

FZ70’s Full HD video with continuous autofocus gives the nod to casual videography. The S1’s 720p limit and lack of video features put it behind.

Travel Photography

The S1 excels in portability - perfect for ultralight travel - but sacrifices versatility and image quality.

The FZ70 balances zoom reach and image quality with manageable weight, suitable for travel photographers who want one camera for everything.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera targets professionals, but the FZ70’s raw support, better image quality, and controls edge it ahead for semi-pro use or backup cameras. The S1’s limited optical and technical specs make it a casual snapshot tool.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS. The FZ70 includes an HDMI port - useful for external display; the S1 lacks this. Both rely on USB 2.0 data transfer.

Price and Value Assessment

Budget-conscious buyers considering used or entry-level priced cameras will find the FZ70 hovering around $300, providing tremendous value with its feature set and versatility.

The S1, at about $270, is less compelling unless compactness and simplicity are absolute priorities.

Putting It All Together: Overall Ratings and Genre Scores

Here’s a synthesized view of the performance ratings reflecting these findings.

In genre-specific scores, you can see the FZ70 outperforms the S1 decisively in nearly all categories except pure portability.

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Let’s wrap up with a look at sample images from both cameras illustrating their output quality across multiple shooting conditions.

Panasonic FZ70 front Panasonic FZ70 screen back Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back

You’ll notice the FZ70’s sharper detail, more vibrant colors, and better noise control, while the S1’s images are softer with more pronounced noise at higher ISOs.

Final Recommendations: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 if:

• You want a superzoom capable of capturing wildlife, sports, or distant landscapes.
• You value better image quality with raw support and advanced controls.
• You shoot video casually and want Full HD recording.
• You don’t mind carrying a larger camera body.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 if:

• Your priority is ultimate portability and an ultra-light compact camera.
• You’re comfortable with limited zoom and modest image quality.
• You’re mainly interested in casual snapshots, travel, or street photography where discretion is king.
• You’re on a tight budget and do not need raw files or video beyond basic HD.

Wrapping Up: My Personal Take

Having put both through their paces, I find the Panasonic FZ70 to be a surprisingly well-rounded camera for enthusiasts on a budget who want as much zoom reach as possible wrapped in a solid, usable package. While the sensor size limits top-tier image quality, the FZ70 maximizes what’s possible out of it with good processing and features.

The S1, for me, feels like a camera frozen in time - a compact marvel back in 2011 but sadly under-specced by today’s standards. It shines only if your shooting needs are extremely minimal and you prize size above all else.

Dear Panasonic, please consider updating the S1 line with modern sensors and controls someday!

Until then, if you want zoom flexibility, technical versatility, and better image results, the FZ70 is my pick of these two.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an educated choice based on real-world use and technical insight. Feel free to ask if you want to discuss further or explore other cameras in this class!