Panasonic L10 vs Panasonic ZS20

Below is a complete comparison of the Panasonic L10 versus Panasonic ZS20, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the L10 (10MP) and ZS20 (14MP) and the L10 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The L10 was revealed 5 years prior to the ZS20 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic L10 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the L10 matches up versus the ZS20 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic L10 Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic L10 provides external measurements of 135mm x 96mm x 78mm (5.3" x 3.8" x 3.1") having a weight of 556 grams (1.23 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check the Panasonic L10 versus Panasonic ZS20 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the L10 versus the ZS20.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the L10 and ZS20 is 66 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements simply by viewing technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the L10 and ZS20.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The L10 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS20 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older L10 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.