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Panasonic ZS1 vs Panasonic S2 Comparison

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Panasonic ZS1

10 MP | 1/2.5" (5.744 x 4.308 mm) CCD Sensor

Panasonic ZS1
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Panasonic S2

14 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

Panasonic S2
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Panasonic ZS1 vs Panasonic S2 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Compact cameras by Panasonic. Panasonic ZS1 was introduced to market in May 2009 and Panasonic S2 was launched in January 2012. As you can see, ZS1 is 3 years older than S2. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Panasonic ZS1 has a 10.0MP 1/2.5-inch sensor whereas Panasonic S2 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Panasonic ZS1 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-05-14
  • 10MP - 1/2.5-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.7" Fixed Type Screen
  • 3 fps continuous shooting
  • - 640 x 480 video resolution
  • 229g. 103 x 60 x 33 mm
  • Also known as Lumix DMC-TZ6

Panasonic S2 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-01-09
  • 14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 28-112 mm F3.1-6.5 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.7" Fixed Type Screen
  • 2 fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 112g. 98 x 57 x 21 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2
Max Mech. Shutter
1/2000s vs 1/1600s faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting
3.0fps vs 2.0fps 1 fps faster
Focal Length - Wide
25mm vs 28mm 3 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
300mm vs 112mm 188 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
12× vs 4× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Tele
4.90 vs 6.50 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
5.3m vs 3.3m 2m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
2.48µm2 vs 1.98µm2 25% larger pixel area


Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1
Max Sensor Resolution
14 MP vs 10 MP 39% more pixels
Number of Focus Points
23 vs 11 12 more focus points
Weight
112 g vs 229 g 117 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide
3.10 vs 3.30 faster lens at wide
Max Video Resolution
1280 x 720 vs 640 x 480 Higher Resolution Video

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder
None vs None No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
LCD Screen Size
2.7" vs 2.7" Small display
LCD Screen Resolution
230k dots vs 230k dots Low resolution screens
Manual Focusing
No vs No No manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
New4
Panasonic ZS1 vs Panasonic S2: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic ZS1 has external dimensions of 103 x 60 x 33 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.3″) and weighs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic S2 has external dimensions of 98 x 57 x 21 mm (3.86 x 2.24 x 0.83″) and weighs 112 g (0.25 lb / 3.95 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2. Panasonic S2 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 5mm narrower, 3mm shorter and 12mm thinner than Panasonic ZS1.

Panasonic ZS1 vs Panasonic S2 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2.

Panasonic ZS1 vs Panasonic S2 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2 Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic S2 is significantly lighter (117g ) than the Panasonic ZS1 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS1
S2
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS1
S2
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (Lumix DMC-TZ6) nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 2.7".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Panasonic ZS1 vs Panasonic S2: Sensor Comparison

Panasonic ZS1 has a 10.0MP 1/2.5-inch (5.744 x 4.308 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Panasonic S2 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Below you can see the ZS1 and S2 sensor size comparison.

Panasonic ZS1 vs Panasonic S2 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2 Cameras


As seen above, Panasonic S2 has a 1.1x Larger sensor area than Panasonic ZS1. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Panasonic ZS1 vs Panasonic S2 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS1 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Panasonic S2 features a 28-112 mm F3.1-6.5 4× zoom lens.

Panasonic ZS1 has 3mm wider coverage than the Panasonic S2. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f3.10, Panasonic S2 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic ZS1 has 188mm longer reach than the Panasonic S2. At f4.90, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS1
S2
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

ZS1
S2
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

ZS1
S2
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

ZS1
S2
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Panasonic ZS1 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Panasonic S2 for Portrait Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Small 1/2.5" (5.744 x 4.308 mm) sensor
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic S2 for Street Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.5" (5.744 x 4.308 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic S2 for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
11 Focus Points
300 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Image Stabilization
23 Focus Points
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
Poor Battery Life: 280 shots
112 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Panasonic S2 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
Compact Body
229g
12.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.5" (5.744 x 4.308 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Compact Body
112g
Body Thickness 21mm
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Panasonic S2 for Landscape Photography

POOR
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.5" (5.744 x 4.308 mm) sensor
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 vs Panasonic S2: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Panasonic ZS1 and Panasonic S2 scores compare:

Panasonic ZS1
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #378 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #1058 out of 1223 in all Cameras
Panasonic S2
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #357 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #1019 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Panasonic S2 scores higher than the Panasonic ZS1 thanks to its better general imaging quality, compact size and higher value for the money. On the other hand, Panasonic ZS1 has some extra features which may become a game changer if you have some specific requirements.
We recommend you to read our detailed Pro's and Con's section and see if any Pro of Panasonic ZS1 is a must-have for you. If not, choose the Panasonic S2.

Panasonic ZS1
Panasonic ZS1
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Panasonic S2
Panasonic S2
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Panasonic S2 vs Panasonic ZS1 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2
Brand Panasonic Panasonic
Announced 2009-05-14 2012-01-09
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type CCD CCD
Size 1/2.5-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 5.744 x 4.308 mm 6.08 x 4.56 mm
Area 24.74mm2 27.72mm2
Megapixels 10 megapixels 14 megapixels
Max Resolution 3648 x 2736 4320 x 3240
Max Native Light sensitivity 6,400 ISO 6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 11 23
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-300 mm (12×) 28-112 mm (4×)
Max Aperture F3.3-4.9 F3.1-6.5
Macro Focus Range 3cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.7" 2.7"
Resolution 230k dots 230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/1600s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 5.30 m (Auto ISO) 3.30 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps 2.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 640 x 480 1280 x 720
Video Formats Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 229g 112g
Dimensions 103 x 60 x 33mm 98 x 57 x 21mm
Battery Life n/a 280 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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