Panasonic G1 vs Panasonic ZS20

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic G1 and Panasonic ZS20, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both offered by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the G1 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is pretty close but the G1 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

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The G1 was revealed 4 years before the ZS20 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a short summation of how the G1 matches up against the ZS20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic G1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic G1 features exterior dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") along with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS20 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic G1 and Panasonic ZS20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the G1 compared to the ZS20.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the G1 and ZS20 is 82 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing specs. The graphic here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the G1 and ZS20.

All in all, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The G1 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS20 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older G1 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.