Panasonic ZS35 vs Pentax W90

Two Compact Titans from a Bygone Era: Panasonic ZS35 vs. Pentax W90 in Close-Up

Stepping back to cameras announced in 2010 and 2014 often feels like a nostalgic walk through digital history - yet these devices can still teach us something about photography fundamentals. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35 (commonly known as the Panasonic ZS35 or Lumix DMC-TZ55 in some markets) and the Pentax Optio W90 are small sensor compact cameras aimed at very different user priorities despite somewhat overlapping specs. After having handled and tested both extensively in diverse conditions - from cobblestone street corners to damp hiking trails - I’m convinced these little nuggets still merit a comparison beyond their vintage status.

Our exploration will cover everything from sensor prowess to real-world usability and how each camera performs across major photography styles. Fair warning - this isn’t about 2024 tech fireworks but the raw practicality and quirks of two distinctive, affordable compacts from the last decade.

Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Design, and Handling

From the outset, these cameras feel quite different in your hand. The Panasonic ZS35 is chunkier and taller, measuring about 107 x 62 x 32 mm, tipping the scales at 305 grams. The Pentax W90 is smaller and notably lighter at 108 x 59 x 25 mm and just 164 grams - a boon if you’re hiking light or seeking discrete street shooting.

The Panasonic’s body offers a sturdier grip and pleasing heft; it feels like a compact that’s taken some cues from enthusiast models. Controls are loosely arranged for quick access despite the compact form, especially welcome since the camera lacks a viewfinder and relies heavily on the rear LCD. I appreciated the versatility of the Panasonic’s 3-inch tilting TFT LCD with anti-reflective coating - a godsend under sunlight - offering 460k-dot resolution that made framing and menu navigation less frustrating.

The Pentax, by contrast, trades some ergonomics for waterproofing durability. Its 2.7-inch fixed screen with 230k dots is less vibrant and offers a narrower viewing angle. The body proudly wears weather sealing to cover dust, shock, freezing temps, and water immersion - attributes mostly absent in the Panasonic, which lacks any environmental sealing.

Top view wise, the Panasonic sports a more businesslike layout, including a zoom ring and dedicated control dials, while the Pentax keeps it minimalistic.

In real use, I found the Panasonic’s extra heft and ergonomic detail pleasant for longer shoots, but the Pentax’s compact waterproof build satisfies travelers and casual shooters whose priority is rugged reliability.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Beneath their petite shells, both cameras pack 1/2.3-inch sensors, but different technologies and resolutions set them apart. The Panasonic ZS35 sports a 16MP CMOS sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm), while the Pentax W90 uses a 12MP CCD sensor slightly larger at 6.17 x 4.55 mm. Although the difference in sensor area is minor, the sensor technology and processing horsepower make a meaningful difference in image quality.

I conducted several controlled tests shooting landscapes, portraits, and indoor scenes under artificial light. The Panasonic’s CMOS sensor brings cleaner results at base and moderate ISOs, less noise, and punchier color fidelity. Its maximum native ISO tops out at 3200 with digital boosting to ISO 6400. The Pentax’s CCD sensor captures slightly richer color tones at low ISO but quickly struggles with noise beyond ISO 400. Its max ISO rating is 6400 but practical use beyond ISO 800 produces increasingly mushy results.

Resolution-wise, Panasonic’s 4608 x 3456 pixels offer more cropping room, while the Pentax’s 4000 x 3000 max image dimensions suffices for casual prints and good screen viewing.

Neither camera offers RAW format support - which is somewhat disappointing for enthusiasts eyeing deeper post-processing latitude. As always, RAW would have been the stronger choice in professional workflows.

For dynamic range and color depth, neither camera shines compared to modern alternatives with larger and newer sensors. Nonetheless, in good lighting, both deliver respectable color accuracy and saturation.

Portrait Performance: Skin, Bokeh, and Autofocus Flair

Portraiture is often a litmus test for compact cameras, especially with their tiny sensors and limited optics. The Panasonic’s 24-480 mm (20x zoom) lens and 21-point contrast detection autofocus system with face detection is surprisingly capable. I found skin tones rendered naturally with minimal color casts, and the lens’s maximum aperture of f/3.3 at wide angle permits decent subject isolation.

The Pentax W90’s 28-140 mm (5x zoom) lens is slower (f/3.5-5.5) and lacks image stabilization, which showed in lower sharpness at telephoto focal lengths. Its autofocus system is simpler - just 9 contrast detection points and no face detection - which made capturing tack-sharp portraits more hit-or-miss.

Neither camera produces creamy bokeh given the sensor size and lens aperture, but the Panasonic’s longer zoom and stabilizer make it easier to isolate subjects against blurred backgrounds in outdoor conditions.

Interesting to note: The Panasonic ZS35 offers continuous autofocus tracking and face detection, a boon for casual portraiture with moving subjects, while the Pentax offers only single autofocus with no tracking or face detection. This limitation reflects Pentax’s more rugged, casual target audience over enthusiast portrait shooters.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Durability Tested

When shooting sweeping views, resolution, wide-angle sharpness, and dynamic range take center stage. The Panasonic’s 24 mm equivalent widest capture edges out Pentax’s 28 mm, providing a slightly wider field for vistas. Both feature anti-aliasing filters, balancing moiré control with sharpness.

Dynamic range is modest for both, typical of 1/2.3-inch sensors of their era, with the Panasonic showing a slight advantage in retaining highlight and shadow detail, likely due to CMOS and processing advantages.

However, durability is where the Pentax W90 flexes its muscle. Its waterproof and shockproof body gives it a clear edge for landscape shooters who like to trail off the beaten path without worrying about weather. I personally took the W90 on a rainy mountain hike, and it withstood drizzle and accidental drops without a hitch - a confidence-inspiring trait absent in the Panasonic.

Image stabilization is present in Panasonic but not Pentax, which means handheld low-light landscapes are more feasible with the ZS35.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Reach, and Burst Fire Insights

Wildlife photography demands fast, reliable autofocus and long focal length reach. The Panasonic ZS35 shines here with its impressive 20x zoom reaching 480 mm equivalent length, coupled with optical image stabilization. This combo enabled me to capture distant birds with relatively steady framing.

Continuous autofocus tracking with 21 points and 10 fps burst mode allows better odds of nailing sharp shots of subtly moving subjects, though it’s not a professional-grade burst performer.

Pentax W90’s 5x zoom topping at 140 mm limits tele reach substantially, and without image stabilization or continuous AF, catching wild critters in motion requires patience and luck. Burst mode clocks in at a sluggish 1 fps, making it impractical for fast-action capture.

Sports and Action: Tracking Accuracy Meets Frame Rate Realities

Neither camera is designed with serious sports photography in mind, but the Panasonic’s continuous 10 fps burst and AF tracking fare surprisingly well for informal sports or fast-moving kids at the park. Low-light AF emphasized contrast detection, so indoors or at dusk, hunting focus occasionally caused frustration.

Pentax W90’s single shot per second and lack of AF tracking makes it a non-starter for fast sports scenarios.

Street Photography: Discretion, Low Light, and Portability Explored

Street shooters prize a compact, unobtrusive profile alongside quick autofocus and reliable low-light performance. The Pentax W90’s smaller size and slim waterproof body win points here - perfect for rainy city wandering or accidental splashes. It’s light enough to forgotten-in-pocket carry.

That said, the Panasonic isn’t outrageously bulky and its tilting screen supports creative framing without needing to raise the camera high. Its higher screen resolution aids visibility in bright urban sunlight.

Low light capabilities tilt the edge toward Panasonic due to onboard stabilization and better high ISO noise control.

Macro Photography: Close Focus and Precision Tweaked

Pentax claims a 1 cm macro focus range, Panasonic about 3 cm. In practice, I found the Pentax W90 better suited for inquisitive close-ups of flowers, insects, or textures thanks to that extreme proximity. The W90 achieved fairly sharp focus manually and via AF near this range, aided by its contrast detection system, though accuracy demands steady hands. Panasonic’s 3 cm macro worked well but didn’t allow those ultra-tight compositions.

Neither offers focus bracketing or stacking but the Panasonic’s image stabilization offers a slight advantage for handheld macro shots.

Night and Astrophotography: Pushing ISO Limits and Exposure Modes

Tackling astrophotography or seriously dark conditions with these cameras is a challenge. The Panasonic ZS35’s better high ISO handling and optical stabilization allow exposures in lower light with less noise; a whisper of hope, perhaps, for casual star trails or night scenes.

It lacks bulb mode or exposure bracketing, so creative long exposures depend on manual shutter priorities and steadiness. The Pentax W90 offers timelapse recording but maxes out at relatively low ISO and shutter speed limits, curbing night shooting versatility.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Stabilization

On the video front, Panasonic has the clear upper hand: Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30fps using MPEG-4 codec, plus optical image stabilization to smooth handheld clips. The lack of microphone or headphone ports restricts audio quality control.

Pentax trails with HD 1280 x 720 resolution at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, outdated and bandwidth-heavy. No image stabilization or video interfaces mean handheld footage can be shaky.

For casual home movies or travel clips, Panasonic’s video is preferable.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, Size/Weight Conundrum

Travel demands cameras that don’t weigh you down but can handle varied shooting scenarios.

While the Pentax W90 impresses on ruggedness and portability (water/dust/shock/freeze proof) at a mere 164g, the Panasonic ZS35 trades some weight for vastly better zoom range, higher resolution, versatile screen, and stronger autofocus.

Both rely on single SD/SDHC/SDXC slots but Panasonic supports higher-capacity cards.

Battery life specs aren’t officially provided, but Panasonic’s processor efficiency typically results in several hundred shots per charge, while the Pentax, powered by D-LI68 batteries, often offers fewer shots - important if you’re hiking all day without recharging.

Professional Workflows: Reliability, File Formats, and Integration

Neither camera really targets professional workflows - both lack RAW support and only offer JPEG outputs, limiting postproduction flexibility. The Panasonic’s more advanced exposure controls (shutter/aperture priority, manual exposure) provide creative possibilities missing from Pentax’s simplified operation.

Connectivity-wise, the Panasonic ZS35 includes built-in wireless for image transfer; Pentax’s Eye-Fi connectivity support is outdated and generally inconvenient today.

Build quality favors Pentax for field durability, Panasonic for ergonomic sophistication.

Assessing the Technical Details: A Closer Look

To quickly recap important specs:

• Sensor: Both use 1/2.3” sensors; Panasonic’s 16MP CMOS edges out Pentax’s 12MP CCD in noise and color

• Lens: Panasonic’s 20x zoom (24-480mm f/3.3-6.4) vastly surpasses Pentax’s 5x (28-140mm f/3.5-5.5), critical for versatility

• Image Stabilization: Panasonic Optical IS vs Pentax none

• Autofocus: Panasonic 21 points with face detection and tracking; Pentax 9 points single AF only

• Video: Panasonic Full HD at 30p vs Pentax 720p MJPEG

• Body: Pentax waterproof/shockproof/freezeproof vs Panasonic no environmental sealing

• Screens: Panasonic 3" tilting, 460k-dot vs Pentax 2.7" fixed, 230k-dot

• Weight: Panasonic 305g vs Pentax 164g

• Storage: Both single SD card slots

• Connectivity: Panasonic built-in WiFi, Pentax Eye-Fi (outdated)

• Price (at launch/different years): Panasonic ~$300, Pentax ~$120

The Panasonic ZS35 scores consistently better in all image-centric aspects, while Pentax excels in rugged travel viability and pocketability.

Genre-Specific Performance Verdicts: Finding Your Perfect Match

To wrap up, here’s a breakdown of how each fares by photographic genres.

Portrait: Panasonic’s face detection, zoom range, and stabilization win hands down. Pentax is limited but fine for casual snapshots.

Landscape: Panasonic’s resolution and dynamic range edge out; Pentax’s ruggedness meets adventurous needs.

Wildlife: Panasonic’s 20x zoom and AF tracking provide usable reach, Pentax’s telephoto and speed fall short.

Sports: Panasonic’s 10 fps burst and tracking help; Pentax unsuitable.

Street: Pentax’s small, waterproof body is stealthy and reliable; Panasonic a bit larger but more capable.

Macro: Pentax’s 1cm close focus beats Panasonic’s 3cm for tight shots.

Night/Astro: Panasonic’s better high ISO and stabilization help, but both are compromises.

Video: Panasonic’s Full HD and IS deliver smoother footage.

Travel: Pentax rugged and light, Panasonic versatile and powerful - choose based on trip needs.

Professional: Neither meets pro demands fully; Panasonic provides more creative control.

Putting It All Together: Who Should Buy Which?

If you want a compact travel camera that performs capably for landscapes, portraits, casual wildlife, and video, with modern conveniences like tilting screens and WiFi, the Panasonic ZS35 stands out. It’s a seasoned generalist with respectable image quality and zoom reach - perfect for enthusiasts seeking an affordable superzoom bridge camera.

Conversely, the Pentax Optio W90 caters to active, outdoorsy photographers who value a rugged, waterproof companion for rough conditions. Its smaller size, weather sealing, and macro prowess make it an ideal choice for hikers, snorkelers, or anyone needing reliable operation in tough environments. Forget zoom and AF speed; think sturdiness and portability.

Both cameras suffer from their age and the limits of 1/2.3" sensors; pros and semi-pros will find them constraining. However, for beginners, travelers on a budget, or those wanting a secondary waterproof camera, these remain viable picks.

In conclusion: use the Panasonic ZS35 if your shooting prioritizes versatility, zoom, and image quality under normal conditions. Opt for the Pentax W90 when durability in wet or rough settings and compact discreetness come first.

That’s my distilled experience, a snapshot comparison of these two charismatic compacts from the early 2010s - each with distinct charms and compromises still worth considering.

A side-by-side glance at photos straight out of the camera illustrates Panasonic’s sharper detail and cleaner ISO performance against Pentax’s slightly warmer color cast and softer textures, typical of CCD sensors.

This close-up shows Panasonic’s clear advantage with a bright, tilting screen compared to Pentax’s smaller, fixed panel - a boon for tricky angles and composition in bright light.

Thanks for reading this deep dive! Hopefully, these insights help you pick a compact camera aligned with your unique photography ambitions. Remember, no camera is perfect, but the right tool makes all the difference.

Happy shooting!