Panasonic ZS100 vs Panasonic ZS50

Here is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS100 and Panasonic ZS50, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and ZS50 (12MP) and the ZS100 (1") and ZS50 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS100 was revealed 13 months later than the ZS50 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the ZS100 matches up versus the ZS50 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS100 has got physical measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS50 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS100 and Panasonic ZS50 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS100 and the ZS50.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS100 and ZS50 is 87 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by going over specifications. The graphic here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS100 and ZS50.

To sum up, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS100 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer more detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The newer ZS100 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.