Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic ZS15

On this page, we are looking at the Panasonic L1 versus Panasonic ZS15, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and ZS15 (12MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and ZS15 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The L1 was manufactured 6 years before the ZS15 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the L1 grades against the ZS15 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic L1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic L1 has outside dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS15 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic L1 versus Panasonic ZS15 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the L1 versus the ZS15.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the L1 and ZS15 is 65 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by going through specifications. The pic below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the L1 and ZS15.

To sum up, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The L1 featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS15 will produce extra detail due to its extra 5MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged L1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.