Panasonic LF1 vs Panasonic ZS100

Let's look more in depth at the Panasonic LF1 versus Panasonic ZS100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the LF1 (12MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the LF1 (1/1.7") and ZS100 (1") offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The LF1 was revealed 3 years before the ZS100 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic LF1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the LF1 matches up against the ZS100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LF1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LF1 comes with physical measurements of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

See the Panasonic LF1 versus Panasonic ZS100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the LF1 against the ZS100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the LF1 and ZS100 is 92 and 87 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to see the gap in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The pic here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the LF1 and ZS100.

As you can see, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The LF1 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic ZS100 will produce more detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged LF1 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.