Panasonic LZ20 vs Panasonic ZS1: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Superzoom Cameras

When it comes to choosing a superzoom camera, especially within the Panasonic lineup, making sense of your options can be daunting. Both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 ("LZ20") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 ("ZS1") aim to deliver versatile zoom ranges in compact formats but target subtly different user needs and photographic disciplines. Having extensively tested over a thousand compact and bridge cameras, this comparison draws on real-world shooting experience, detailed technical analysis, and usability evaluation to unpack which camera best fits your photography style and requirements.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

The Panasonic LZ20 arrives as a bridge-style camera with a larger, SLR-like body, measuring 120 x 76 x 80 mm and weighing just under 500g. In contrast, the ZS1 is more of a pocket-friendly compact at 103 x 60 x 33 mm with a featherweight 229g build. The noticeable bulk and grip on the LZ20 translate to better handling for prolonged shooting and more stable framing - especially at extended focal lengths.

While the ZS1’s compact design excels in portability and discreet street or travel photography, its smaller controls and lighter body require a steadier hand or support when shooting with heavier lenses or slow shutter speeds. Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, meaning you'll rely on their LCD panels for framing.

The LZ20’s button placement and grip shape feel more in line with enthusiast bridge cameras, providing tactile feedback and easier access to commonly used dials such as exposure compensation and manual mode. The ZS1’s controls are simplified, accommodating its compact form but reducing quick-access efficiency. The absence of touchscreen interfaces on both models is expected given their release time but does reduce immediate interaction convenience by today’s standards.

Sensor Specifications and Core Image Quality

Both cameras utilize 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, a common choice in compact superzooms of their era, but with notable differences:

The LZ20’s 16-megapixel sensor provides higher resolution outputs, which positively impacts large prints and cropping flexibility - an important factor for landscape and portrait photographers who value detail retention. However, in practical tests, both sensors showed limitations typical of small 1/2.3-inch CCDs: noise becomes pronounced at ISO 800 and above, and dynamic range struggles under challenging lighting.

Interestingly, the ZS1 advertises a higher maximum native ISO of 6400 but doesn’t support boosted ISO beyond this, and the actual noise control there is questionable. In controlled low-light scenes, I found the LZ20 to suffer less from noise degradation up to ISO 800. Neither camera supports RAW capture, materially limiting post-processing flexibility.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom Range and Aperture Considerations

The LZ20 clearly targets reach, boasting a formidable 21x zoom range extending to 525 mm equivalent. This gain in telephoto length is ideal for wildlife and sports photographers who rely on long reach without changing lenses. The ZS1, with its more modest 12x zoom, maxes out at 300 mm, offering a shorter telephoto but maintaining a slightly faster aperture at the long end (f/4.9 vs. f/5.8).

In practice, I found the LZ20’s extensive zoom practical for distant subjects, but image quality quickly diminishes past 400mm - typical for superzooms. The ZS1’s shorter zoom produces a slightly sharper image across its range due to less optical complexity. Both lenses lack advanced manual focus rings, which may frustrate macro shooters and portrait artists who want precise control.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Real-World Response

The LZ20 includes support for continuous autofocus and subject tracking, which I tested in daylight conditions. Although not as fast or reliable compared to contemporary DSLRs or mirrorless systems, the LZ20’s AF was adequate for casual action and wildlife. However, its very slow 1 fps burst limits rapid sequential shooting.

The ZS1, despite its faster 3 fps burst rate, offers only single AF without tracking or continuous adjustment, making it less suited for sports or wildlife motion photography. Both cameras lack phase detection autofocus and have slower AF acquisition times due to CCD sensor limitations and dated processors.

Display and Interface Usability

Both models feature fixed TFT LCDs - 3” with 460k dots on the LZ20, and 2.7” with 230k dots on the ZS1. The LZ20’s larger, higher-resolution screen provides noticeably better framing and image review clarity, which impacts usability for all genres but especially for landscape and travel photography where composition detail matters.

Neither camera offers a touchscreen or articulated display, limiting versatility. Neither has an optical or electronic viewfinder, which forces reliance on LCD visibility in bright conditions - a practical downside in outdoor photography.

Image Quality in Practice: Samples and Performance Summary

Panasonic LZ20 front Panasonic LZ20 screen back Panasonic ZS1 front Panasonic ZS1 screen back

In side-by-side testing, the LZ20’s 16 MP sensor yielded more detailed images under ideal lighting. Portraits showed adequate skin tone rendering, though limited depth-of-field and no raw files restricted creativity. Bokeh rendered by the LZ20 was soft but could feel somewhat “busy” due to the small sensor size.

The ZS1’s images were softer at base ISO but maintained consistent color fidelity. Both cameras delivered subpar low-light image quality with more pronounced noise beyond ISO 400, limiting their application for nighttime or astro photography.

Build Quality and Durability

Both cameras lack weather sealing, dust, and shock resistance. This omission is common for cameras targeting budget-conscious enthusiasts rather than professionals. The LZ20’s heavier and larger bridge-style body inherently feels more robust, while the ZS1’s compact plastic shell is inherently less tough - better suited as a travel companion with careful handling.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera impresses in video performance by today’s standards. The LZ20’s 720p HD video is passable for casual use; the ZS1 tops out at only VGA resolution, which is quite limiting in detail. Both lack 4K recording, mic/headphone jacks, or advanced video features such as log color profiles or continuous autofocus during video.

Battery Life and Storage

The LZ20 uses a proprietary battery pack rated for about 380 shots per charge, which is acceptable for casual outings. The ZS1’s battery life is less well documented, but its smaller size suggests fewer shots per charge in practice.

Both cameras support SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, with a single slot. Internal memory is minimal and insufficient for any serious shooting.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Neither camera supports modern wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. Given their release era, this is unsurprising but a notable limitation for today's on-the-go workflow integration.

Price and Value Assessment

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: The LZ20’s higher resolution and slightly larger sensor provide better skin tone rendering and facial detail. The ZS1 is adequate for casual portraits but less impressive in bokeh and detail fidelity.

• Landscape: LZ20’s detail and dynamic range (though limited) outperform the ZS1. Both suffer from small sensor dynamic range constraints but the LZ20’s bigger screen and ergonomic controls enhance composition.

• Wildlife: The LZ20 wins on zoom and AF tracking, despite slow burst; ZS1’s shorter zoom and lack of continuous AF make it a poor choice.

• Sports: Both cameras are challenged by slow burst and AF performance. LZ20’s tracking helps but slow fps hurts capture success.

• Street: The ZS1, being smaller and lighter, excels for discreet shooting and portability, while the LZ20 is bulky for street use.

• Macro: LZ20’s closer macro focus range (2cm) and stabilizer make it more flexible; neither camera offers focus stacking.

• Night / Astro: Both hindered by noise at high ISO; LZ20 slightly better but limited by lack of manual exposure modes.

• Video: LZ20’s HD video superior to ZS1’s VGA; neither suitable for serious video.

• Travel: ZS1 better for lightweight portability; LZ20 better zoom and controls but heavier.

• Professional Use: Both cameras fall short of pro-grade demands; no RAW support, weather sealing, or advanced customization.

Summary: What Camera Should You Consider?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20:

Pros:

• Long 21x zoom range ideal for wildlife and sports beginners
• Higher 16MP resolution offers detailed image capture
• Larger 3” LCD with higher resolution for better composition
• Optical image stabilization helps with telephoto shooting
• Ergonomic bridge body for comfortable holding during extended use
• Exposure compensation and manual exposure modes for creative control

Cons:

• Bulkier and less pocket-friendly
• Slow continuous shooting (1 fps)
• No raw image capture
• Limited low-light performance
• No wireless connectivity or electronic viewfinder

Ideal For: Enthusiasts needing an affordable superzoom bridge camera with better ergonomics and zoom reach, prioritizing still photography over video or portability.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1:

Pros:

• Very compact and lightweight, ideal for travel and street use
• Faster burst rate (3 fps) for casual action shots
• Decent 12x zoom suitable for everyday shooting
• Face detection AF for general portraiture
• Optical image stabilization minimizes hand shake

Cons:

• Smaller, lower-resolution sensor limits detail
• Limited aperture range affects low-light and bokeh quality
• No manual exposure mode or exposure compensation
• VGA max video limits versatility
• No continuous autofocus or subject tracking
• Weaker battery life (less documented but presumed)

Ideal For: Casual photographers looking for a pocketable all-rounder with decent zoom, emphasizing portability over advanced control or image quality.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice Based on Your Photography Needs

If you require a versatile superzoom camera with better ergonomics, longer reach, and more detailed images for wildlife or landscape photography, the Panasonic LZ20 stands out despite its age. Its significant zoom advantage and higher megapixel sensor deliver tangible benefits that I found useful during hands-on testing, especially when paired with tripod use for stability.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic ZS1, with a smaller footprint, suits photographers who prioritize discreetness and portability, such as street shooters or travelers who want a light carry-on without sacrificing too much zoom range. However, be prepared to compromise image quality and manual exposure control.

Neither camera meets modern standards for video or advanced photography; they are budget-conscious choices from the early 2010s that are best suited to beginner and casual shooters on a limited budget. If you seek RAW support, better low-light capabilities, or more refined autofocus, exploring more recent Panasonic ZS/TZ series models or mirrorless cameras might be a better investment.

Methodology Note: How I Tested These Cameras

My evaluation follows rigorous side-by-side comparative shooting in controlled and real-world scenarios:

• Indoor portrait sessions with controlled lighting and skin tone measurement
• Wildlife tracking and telephoto reach trials at local parks
• Landscape shooting under varying light conditions, checking detail and dynamic range
• Street scenes for discreetness and handling ease
• Video recording tests in typical household and outdoor environments
• Lab testing includes sensor noise analysis, sharpness charts, and burst rate measurement with professional timers

By combining subjective experience with objective data points, I provide a thorough, transparent assessment tailored to practical photography use.

By understanding these nuanced differences and practical performance characteristics, you can be confident that whichever Panasonic superzoom you choose, it will complement your photographic style and budget effectively.

Happy shooting!