Panasonic SZ1 vs Panasonic ZS100

On this page, we will be analyzing the Panasonic SZ1 versus Panasonic ZS100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is pretty close but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ1 was launched 5 years earlier than the ZS100 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SZ1 matches up versus the ZS100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ1 comes with external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS100 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ1 versus Panasonic ZS100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ1 and the ZS100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ1 and ZS100 is 95 and 87 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The visual below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ1 and ZS100.

As you can see, each of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ1 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The older SZ1 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.