Panasonic LZ20 vs Panasonic S2

Here is a in-depth review of the Panasonic LZ20 versus Panasonic S2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. The resolution of the LZ20 (16MP) and the S2 (14MP) is very close and both cameras offer the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The LZ20 was released 7 months later than the S2 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise view of how the LZ20 scores vs the S2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic LZ20 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic LZ20 offers external measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") having a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic S2 has sizing of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic LZ20 versus Panasonic S2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the LZ20 and the S2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the LZ20 and S2 is 71 and 96 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing just by researching a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the LZ20 and S2.

As you can see, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic LZ20 to render greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The younger LZ20 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.