Panasonic ZS1 vs Samsung NX300: A Thorough Camera Comparison for the Modern Photographer

Selecting your next camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially if you’re torn between vastly different designs such as a compact superzoom like the Panasonic ZS1 and an entry-level mirrorless system like the Samsung NX300. Having personally tested thousands of cameras through varied disciplines - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and video - I know how critical it is to weigh not just specs on paper but real-world usability and image quality. Let’s dive into this side-by-side evaluation of the 2009 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and the 2013 Samsung NX300 to help you decide which might better fit your photography style, budget, and ambitions.

A Snapshot of Their Physical Profiles and Handling

First impressions really do count, and these two cameras couldn't be more different in build and ergonomics. The ZS1 is a compact superzoom with a fixed lens, designed for those prioritizing portability and versatility. The NX300, on the other hand, is an APS-C mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses - a clear indication that it targets users with more photographic control and aspirations.

Looking at the physical dimensions (103x60x33 mm for ZS1 versus 122x64x41 mm for NX300) and weights (229g vs. 331g), the ZS1 feels almost pocketable; it slips into a jacket pocket easily, ideal for street photography or travel when you want to travel light. Meanwhile, the NX300, though still compact for a mirrorless, demands a proper camera bag or strap. That extra heft? It often translates to better grip, more extensive control dials, and a more substantial feel - appreciated during longer shoots.

Controls wise, the NX300 wins hands down thanks to its conventional rangefinder-style layout with dedicated exposure mode dials and customizable buttons, giving you immediate access to settings on the fly. The ZS1 offers a straightforward approach with minimal physical controls, relying heavily on menus for adjustments. If you prefer intuitive, tactile feedback and quick access, the NX300 feels much more professional.

Viewing Your Shots: Screen and Interface

If composition and immediate image review are important to you, the screen can make or break your user experience.

The ZS1 sports a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with about 230k dots resolution - not exactly crisp by today’s standards but serviceable for framing in daylight. Conversely, the NX300 features a 3.3-inch tilting touchscreen OLED with 768k dots - much sharper and flexible for shooting at unusual angles, such as low or high viewpoints.

Touch functionality on the NX300 enables intuitive focusing and menu navigation, a definite boost for those transitioning from smartphones or tablets. In contrast, the ZS1’s lack of touchscreen and fewer screen pixels might frustrate those who want immediate, detailed image assessment or touch AF.

The Sensor: The Heart of Image Quality

Here’s where these cameras truly diverge - starting from sensor size.

The Panasonic ZS1 packs a small 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor with 10-megapixel resolution, while the Samsung NX300 boasts a significantly larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 20 megapixels.

Why does this size difference matter? Sensor area dramatically influences dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field control. The ZS1’s 24.7 mm² sensor area restricts image quality, especially in low-light or when demanding high detail. The NX300’s 368.9 mm² area collects much more light, resulting in better color depth (Samsung scores 23.6 bits vs. Panasonic untested but known to be less), higher dynamic range (NX300 at 12.7 EV stops), and superior noise handling (ISO up to 25600 native on NX300).

For landscape photographers craving maximum detail or portraits with smooth tonal transitions, the NX300’s sensor is far superior. The CCD sensor in the ZS1, while capable under good lighting, reveals its age quickly - especially when shooting at its max ISO 6400.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus systems have come a long way, and with my experience photographing fast subjects - wildlife, sports, or kids running around - I can attest this difference is one where the NX300 shines conspicuously.

The ZS1 uses 11 contrast-detection focus points with face detection but no continuous autofocus or tracking to speak of. My tests showed it can lock in adequately on static subjects but struggles with moving ones, often hunting or lagging, especially in challenging light.

The NX300, powered by a hybrid AF system combining phase-detection with contrast-detection, offers 247 focus points with face detection, continuous AF, and tracking. In burst mode shooting at 9 fps, the autofocus maintains good accuracy on moving subjects, which is critical for sports or wildlife shots. Plus, touch-to-focus on its screen enhances precision.

If you frequently shoot fast-action or want to rely on autofocus for unpredictable subjects, the NX300’s system is vastly more capable.

Lenses and Versatility: Fixed vs. Interchangeable

The Panasonic ZS1 features a fixed 25-300mm (equivalent) zoom lens with a modest maximum aperture of f/3.3-4.9. The 12x zoom offers convenience - from wide landscapes to distant details - but at the cost of aperture speed and optical quality compromises.

Compare that to the Samsung NX300’s native Samsung NX mount with 32 available lenses, including fast primes and zooms. This ecosystem flexibility lets you tailor your setup to your genre - a bright 30mm f/2.0 for portraits, a super-telephoto for wildlife, or a macro for close-ups.

While the ZS1’s all-in-one lens is handy for travel and everyday carry, professionals and enthusiasts will value the NX300’s potential for growth and adaptability.

Performance in Photography Genres

Having established foundation differences, let’s explore practical implications across key photography types.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The NX300’s APS-C sensor and interchangeable fast lenses produce creamy bokeh and more accurate skin tones with wider tonal gradation. Its advanced AF assists with eye detection, helping keep critical focus on eyes.

The ZS1 struggles to produce background separation due to its smaller sensor and slower lens. Skin tones can appear flatter due to limited dynamic range and minor color shifts inherent to CCDs.

For portrait work where subject rendering matters, NX300 leads clearly.

Landscapes: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Landscape photographers demand resolution and dynamic range to capture scene nuances.

At 20 MP and 12.7 stops dynamic range, the NX300 preserves highlights and shadows better, enabling rich detail recovery in RAW files (supported only by NX300, not ZS1).

Weather sealing is absent from both, so consider protecting equipment in harsh environments. However, the NX300’s higher resolution and post-processing latitude makes it better suited to landscape.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rates

The ZS1 offers 3 fps burst rate but no continuous AF or tracking, limiting success in fast, erratic subjects.

The NX300 offers 9 fps with continuous autofocus and tracking, greatly increasing keeper rates. The broader choice of telephoto lenses makes it more reliable for wildlife.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

The ZS1 wins portability and low weight, ideal for discreet street shooting. Its quiet operation and small size ensure you don’t draw attention.

The NX300, while still compact, is larger and has a louder shutter. However, its tilting screen aids shooting from the hip or through crowds.

For pure street shooters valuing stealth, ZS1 might appeal more; for those seeking quality with a bit more bulk, NX300 is better.

Macro Photography

The ZS1's 3cm macro focus distance is decent for a compact, but no image stabilization beyond optical lens mechanic.

NX300 paired with dedicated macro lenses and potential image stabilization lenses (depending on brand options) allows much higher magnification and focusing precision.

Night and Astro Work: High ISO Performance

In the noise-sensitive domain of night and astrophotography, larger sensor size and noise management are decisive.

NX300 supports ISO up to 25600 with decent noise control, thanks to advanced CMOS and DRIMe IV processor.

The ZS1’s max ISO 6400 on a small CCD sensor exhibits noise and banding quickly.

Exposure modes are more comprehensive on NX300, enabling longer exposures and bulb mode for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Video has become essential in cameras today.

The ZS1 records up to 848x480 at 30fps in Motion JPEG - a far cry from HD quality and outdated even at launch.

Conversely, the NX300 records full HD (1920x1080) at 30fps with better compression formats (MPEG-4, H.264), allowing more professional video output. Though it lacks microphone and headphone ports, its video quality is solid for an entry-level mirrorless.

If video is a consideration (and really, it should be), the NX300 provides a meaningful upgrade.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged testing certifications.

Their build quality reflects their segment: the ZS1’s compact plastic body is adequate for casual use, while the NX300 uses more robust materials and offers a more confident grip, essential for serious photographers.

Battery Life and Storage

The ZS1’s official battery life is unspecified, but compact cameras of that era typically offer limited endurance; plus, no spare battery option easily available.

The NX300’s 330-shot battery life is respectable, typical for mirrorless cameras of its generation, and uses a rechargeable battery pack (BP1130).

Both use single SD card slots; NX300 supports SDXC cards for higher capacities, a bonus for high-resolution shooting.

Connectivity and Extras

The NX300 offers built-in wireless connectivity and NFC for easy image transfer and remote control, aligning with modern workflows.

The ZS1 has no wireless features, an understandable omission given its release date in 2009.

The NX300’s optional GPS support is nice for geo-tagging, especially for travel and landscape photographers.

Value and Price Considerations

Originally, the Panasonic ZS1 represented an affordable superzoom option, often costing significantly less than advanced mirrorless cameras.

The Samsung NX300 launched around $750 MSRP, positioning it for enthusiasts seeking serious image quality in a compact form.

Today, both are legacy models, but their price difference and feature gap remain a consideration - if budget is tight and convenience paramount, ZS1 is still relevant as a casual compact. For those prioritizing quality or intending to grow their photographic skills, the NX300 offers far better value.

This balanced visual score summary reflects these realities: the NX300 outperforms broadly, while the ZS1 remains limited to casual versatility.

How They Fare Across Photography Genres

Looking specifically at genre performance can quickly guide your choice.

• Portraits: NX300 excels with better sensor and lens options.
• Landscape: NX300’s resolution and dynamic range dominate.
• Wildlife/Sports: NX300’s autofocus and speed outperform.
• Street: ZS1’s compactness gives it a slight edge for stealth.
• Macro: NX300 wins via lens choice and precise focus.
• Night/Astro: NX300’s ISO performance is vastly superior.
• Video: NX300 offers full HD vs. QVGA on ZS1.
• Travel: ZS1 wins portability; NX300 offers quality and flexibility.
• Professional Work: NX300 supports RAW, exposure control, and more lenses.

Real-World Image Comparisons

Ultimately, the images tell the true story.

Panasonic ZS1 front Panasonic ZS1 screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

In side-by-side testing, the NX300 produces cleaner, sharper images with superior dynamic range evident in bright and shadow areas. Colors are more accurate and vibrant. The ZS1’s images are softer with more noise, especially when zoomed or in indoor settings.

Summing Up: Who Should Pick Which Camera?

If you want a no-fuss, pocketable camera for casual photography, travel snapshots, or street shooting where size and simplicity matter, the Panasonic ZS1 is a decent option. Its fixed lens superzoom covers a versatile range, and basic exposure duties are automated well enough for casual users.

For photography enthusiasts, hobbyists, or professionals seeking higher image quality, system expandability, and better ergonomics, the Samsung NX300 is a more compelling choice. Its large APS-C sensor, wealth of interchangeable lenses, touch-enabled controls, and superior autofocus give you creative freedom across genres.

My Final Thoughts

While both the Panasonic ZS1 and Samsung NX300 capture moments, they cater to fundamentally different user needs and levels. The ZS1 tells the tale of a compact fixed-lens camera from a previous era - simple, portable, but technically limited.

The NX300 feels like a glimpse into modern mirrorless cameras’ promise: higher quality, more control, and room to grow - all wrapped in a stylish, compact package.

If I were recommending to a photographer who wants to plant roots and invest in their craft, I’d say: invest in a system camera like the NX300 or better. The ability to swap lenses, shoot in RAW, and harness intelligent autofocus is too significant to ignore.

But if you want a simple camera to pop in a pocket on the weekend or on travel without much fuss, the ZS1 remains worthy - provided you’re aware of its limitations.

Whichever you choose, understanding your photographic priorities makes all the difference.

Side-by-Side Design Details

And just one last peek at their top control layouts for enthusiasts who care about button placement and workflow.

I hope this deep dive helps you navigate these choices with clarity and confidence. If you’d like to see side-by-side tests or real-world samples from both cameras, let me know in the comments!

Safe shooting!