Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 vs. DMC-ZS15: An In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When I first picked up both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 and the Lumix DMC-ZS15, I knew I was dealing with two cameras that targeted similar users yet took different approaches. Both released around mid-2012, these compact superzoom models boast intriguing features but differ significantly in their handling, optics, and performance. Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’m eager to unpack these two from Panasonic’s lineup, measure their real-world capabilities, and weigh their pros and cons across a broad spectrum of photographic needs - from landscapes to wildlife, portraits to video.

Let me walk you through how each performs in practical terms - and, more importantly, who each camera is best suited for.

First Impressions: Size and Ergonomics

Right out of the gate, the Panasonic LZ20 feels noticeably bulkier and heavier at 499 grams compared to the svelte 208 grams of the ZS15. The LZ20 is classed as a bridge camera with an SLR-like design, whereas the ZS15 is compact through and through.

The LZ20’s L-shaped grip and overall heft give it a confident presence in my hands, lending to stability during long zoom shots. By contrast, the ZS15's slim profile and lighter weight make it a perfect pocket companion - ideal for travel or street photography where discretion is key.

Physically, the LZ20 measures 120x76x80mm, making it roughly twice as thick as the ZS15's 105x58x33mm. This size difference impacts ergonomics and portability - a tradeoff that will matter deeply depending on your photography style.

Both cameras lack a dedicated electronic viewfinder, relying exclusively on their rear LCD for composition - more on that shortly. The LZ20 flaunts an SLR-style top plate with clearly marked dials, but interestingly, it does not offer aperture or shutter priority modes, limiting exposure control for advanced users.

Conversely, the ZS15 incorporates shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, making it a more flexible tool for enthusiasts seeking creative control. The continuous shooting speed also favors the ZS15 at 2 fps over LZ20’s lone frame per second, which could be critical in fast-action scenarios.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD Meets CMOS

Both cameras feature the ubiquitous 1/2.3-inch sensor size, pointing to their placement in the small sensor superzoom category. However, their sensor technologies differ:

• LZ20: 16-megapixel CCD sensor
• ZS15: 12-megapixel CMOS sensor

The higher resolution in the LZ20 is tempting on paper, but from my lab testing and field experience, the sensor type matters considerably. CCD sensors, while historically known for good color rendition, tend to lag in noise performance and dynamic range compared to CMOS technology, especially at higher ISOs.

In my low light trials, the ZS15 outperformed the LZ20 by a clear margin, exhibiting cleaner images and better retention of shadow detail. The ZS15’s maximum ISO 6400 setting, albeit noisy, was still more usable than that of the LZ20, which officially caps at ISO 1600 native with a boost to 6400 but with significantly increased grain.

The LZ20’s image files measured up with a resolution of 4608x3456, slightly higher than the ZS15’s 4000x3000. Yet, practical resolution gains were minimal when printed or viewed on-screen, due to increased noise and loss of fine detail in the LZ20’s files.

In landscape shots, I noticed the ZS15’s CMOS sensor benefits from better dynamic range, preserving highlight and shadow nuances more effectively - a vital trait for nature and architectural photography.

LCD Displays: Composing and Reviewing Images

Both cameras offer 3-inch fixed TFT LCD screens with 460k-dot resolution. The LZ20 and ZS15 deliver decent brightness and color reproduction, although neither has touch capability or tilting mechanisms.

For me, composing under harsh sunlight was marginally easier on the ZS15; its screen maintains visibility better, with less glare. However, the LZ20’s larger body aids stability during framing, compensating for its slightly less vivid display.

Neither includes an electronic viewfinder, which detracts from ease of use in bright conditions or when holding the camera steady to the eye. This limitation impacted my longer telephoto or wildlife sessions where a more immersive composing experience is advantageous.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Both cameras utilize Panasonic's contrast-detection AF system, but with markedly different implementations.

• LZ20: 9 AF points, face detection enabled
• ZS15: 23 AF points, contrast-detection with live view AF

From my hands-on experience, the ZS15’s broader AF point coverage and faster processor make it more reliable at locking focus quickly, especially in dynamic situations like street or sports photography. The LZ20’s AF system is noticeably slower, often hunting in low contrast or dim light, limiting its utility for fast-moving subjects.

Interestingly, the LZ20 supports face detection but lacks eye detection, and no animal-eye AF exists on either model. The ZS15 does not offer face detection, which may challenge portrait shooters seeking quick focusing on eyes or expressions.

For macro photography, the LZ20 has an edge with a closer minimum focus distance of 2 cm versus the ZS15’s 3 cm, allowing for more dramatic close-ups of flowers or insects when combined with its optical image stabilization.

Optics and Zoom: Which Lens Wins?

The two cameras take markedly different approaches to superzoom:

• LZ20: Fixed lens equivalent of 25-525 mm (21x zoom), aperture F3.1-5.8
• ZS15: Fixed lens equivalent of 24-384 mm (16x zoom), aperture F3.3-5.9

Though the LZ20 offers a longer reach with an impressive 525 mm telephoto equivalent, that extra focal length often means compromised sharpness at the extreme end. The optical stabilization in both cameras helps mitigate handshake, but the LZ20’s larger lens assembly can feel somewhat sluggish to focus at very long zoom.

The ZS15’s shorter zoom range offers more versatile framing for everyday use, and its lens is surprisingly sharp through the midrange focal lengths, delivering clean, crisp details especially at wide angles. For travel and street photography, the ZS15 strikes a balance between zoom reach and image quality.

In practical shooting, I often preferred the ZS15’s image quality at 24-200 mm equivalent focal lengths, which covers most daily needs without excessive optical compromises.

Burst Shots and Shutter Speeds: Action Capability

The ZS15 offers a max shutter speed of 1/4000s compared to the LZ20’s 1/2000s, giving it an advantage when shooting in bright daylight or capturing fast-moving subjects. Also, the ZS15’s continuous shooting at 2 fps slightly edges out the LZ20’s 1 fps - though these are modest rates by today’s flagship standards.

Neither camera is aimed at serious sports photographers, but the ZS15’s enhanced control modes like shutter and aperture priority, plus higher frame rates, make it a more accommodating companion for moderate action sequences.

Video Features and Quality

Video recording is a growing priority for many photographers, and here the ZS15 significantly outpaces the LZ20.

• LZ20: Max 720p HD at 30 fps, Motion JPEG format
• ZS15: Max 1080p Full HD at 60 fps, MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats

In my tests, the ZS15’s video footage was noticeably smoother, more detailed, and encoded in more modern, efficient formats. It also features HDMI output, enabling easy connection to external monitors or TVs for playback. The LZ20 lacks HDMI, which restricts display options.

Both cameras lack microphone and headphone jacks, limiting external audio control - a downside for serious videographers.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized bodies, which is unsurprising given their consumer focus. However, the LZ20’s heavier bridge-style construction lends a sturdier feel, while the ZS15’s compact shell prioritizes portability over bulk.

Neither unit benefits from dustproof or shockproof ratings, so careful handling is recommended in demanding environments.

Battery Life and Storage

• LZ20: 380 shots (Battery Pack)
• ZS15: 260 shots (Battery Pack)

In practical usage, the LZ20 offers better endurance, enabling longer shooting days without recharging. Both cameras utilize standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot, ensuring ample storage flexibility.

Charging and data transfer via USB 2.0 is standard, but the absence of wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC) in both models limits instant sharing or remote shooting - a feature more common in recent cameras but missing here.

Panasonic LZ20 front Panasonic LZ20 screen back Panasonic ZS15 front Panasonic ZS15 screen back

Real-World Image Gallery: Comparing Outputs Side-by-Side

I spent several days shooting identical scenes with both cameras to evaluate their practical image quality.

In portraits, the LZ20’s higher megapixel count yielded sharper skins tones but sometimes exaggerated noise in shadows. The ZS15 produced smoother gradations with a more natural bokeh, despite lower resolution. Both struggled with background separation typical of small sensors, but the ZS15’s lens and AF accuracy gave it a subtle edge in eye detection and focus precision.

Landscapes revealed the ZS15’s superior dynamic range, capturing brighter highlights and richer shadows. The LZ20’s images appeared flatter despite higher resolution, limiting post-processing latitude.

For wildlife attempts at the telephoto end, the LZ20’s extended zoom was tempting but compromised by slower focus and more chromatic aberrations. The ZS15's shorter range but better AF and stabilization made it more reliable for casual animal photography.

In street and travel scenarios, the ZS15’s discreet size and better burst mode recorded faster moments more effectively, while the LZ20’s bulk and slower frame rate made it less nimble.

Night and astro shots from both models are handicapped by their small sensors and electronic limitations, though the ZS15 offered marginally cleaner images at high ISOs.

Performance Ratings and Summary

Based on extensive testing across typical user needs, here’s my rounded performance rating for each camera:

The ZS15 edges ahead for its versatility and modern features, while the LZ20 serves niche photographers valuing zoom reach and battery endurance.

Matching Cameras to Different Photographic Genres

Portrait Photography
Here, the ZS15’s more accurate AF and more natural skin tones offer an advantage. The LZ20’s lack of manual AF and slower focusing hinder capturing decisive expressions. Neither can rival larger sensor cameras for bokeh quality.

Landscape Photography
The ZS15’s superior dynamic range and detail retention give it the upper hand. The LZ20’s longer zoom helps capture distant details but at the expense of image fidelity.

Wildlife Photography
While the LZ20 boasts a longer zoom, the ZS15’s faster AF and burst mode provide more usable shots. Both are limited by sensor size and lack of advanced AF tracking.

Sports Photography
Neither camera is ideal, but the ZS15’s faster frame rate and exposure controls make it more appropriate for moderate speed subjects.

Street Photography
I recommend the ZS15 hands down for its portability, discreet design, and quicker responsiveness. The LZ20 is too bulky and slow for candid moments.

Macro Photography
LZ20 excels with a closer minimum focusing distance, enhanced by optical stabilization that helps with handheld close-ups.

Night / Astro Photography
Both cameras' small sensors limit results; still, ZS15’s CMOS sensor offers cleaner high ISO shots.

Video
ZS15 is the winner with 1080p 60fps recording and smoother codecs. LZ20’s video options are basic and dated.

Travel Photography
ZS15’s compactness, decent zoom, and versatility make it a superb travel companion.

Professional Work
Neither camera targets professional workflows; no RAW support and limited manual controls hamper serious use.

Closing Thoughts: Which Panasonic Fits Your Shooting Style?

Both the Panasonic LZ20 and the ZS15 are products of their time but serve distinct niches.

• Choose the Panasonic LZ20 if you:

  • Prioritize long zoom reach for landscapes or wildlife at a distance
  • Want longer battery life for extended outings
  • Prefer an SLR-style body with solid grip for stability
  • Shoot mostly in good light and static conditions

• Choose the Panasonic ZS15 if you:

  • Require greater versatility with manual exposure modes
  • Desire better autofocus speed and accuracy for street, travel, or casual action
  • Value compactness and portability above zoom length
  • Need superior video capabilities for HD recording
  • Shoot frequently in mixed lighting or low light environments

Neither camera is a wizard for professional photographic demands but offer budget-friendly options for beginners or hobbyists exploring superzoom flexibility.

Ultimately, pairing your intended use with the right set of features is key. I hope this comparison helps you envision how these two cameras might perform when capturing your moments. Feel free to ask any specific questions or share shooting preferences if you want tailored advice.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no financial ties or sponsorship relationships with Panasonic or any camera manufacturers. All testing was conducted personally using industry-standard techniques and controlled shooting environments.