Panasonic ZS1 vs Samsung WB150F Comparison

Camera to replace

Change

Panasonic ZS1

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

CHECK PRICE

Change

Samsung WB150F

14 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

CHECK PRICE

Panasonic ZS1 vs Samsung WB150F Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing ZS1 and WB150F, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras from Panasonic and Samsung. Panasonic ZS1 has a 10.0MP 1/2.5-inch sensor whereas Samsung WB150F has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor. Panasonic ZS1 was introduced to market in May 2009 and Samsung WB150F was launched in January 2012. As you can see, ZS1 is 3 years older than WB150F. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS1 and Samsung WB150F 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

Samsung WB150F Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2012-01-09

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 3200

24-432 mm F3.2-5.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

10 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

Built-in Wireless

188g. 107 x 61 x 23 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS1 and Samsung WB150F compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 over Samsung WB150F

Max ISO	6.400 vs 3.200	100% higher Max ISO
Max Aperture - Tele	4.90 vs 5.80	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	5.3m vs 3.5m	1.8m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area	2.48µm² vs 1.76µm²	40% larger pixel area

Reasons to choose Samsung WB150F over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1

Wireless Connection	Built-In vs None	Better connectivity
Max Sensor Resolution	14 MP vs 10 MP	39% more pixels
LCD Screen Size	3" vs 2.7"	0.3 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting	10.0fps vs 3.0fps	7 fps faster
Weight	188 g vs 229 g	41 g lighter
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide	24mm vs 25mm	1 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	432mm vs 300mm	132 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	18× vs 12×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	3.20 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 Samsung WB150F

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
Focal Length - Tele	300mm vs 432mm	Very good Telezoom

Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Samsung WB150F

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 Resolution	230k dots vs 460k dots	Low resolution screens
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions

Panasonic ZS1 vs Samsung WB150F: 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 Samsung WB150F 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). Samsung WB150F has external dimensions of 107 x 6 1 x 23 mm and weighs 188g (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS1 and Samsung WB150F. Panasonic ZS1 is 4mm narrower and 1mm shorter than Samsung WB150F but it is also 10mm thicker.

Comparison image of Panasonic ZS1 and Samsung WB150F Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Samsung WB150F is significantly lighter (41g ) than the Panasonic ZS1 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS1

WB150F

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS1

WB150F

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (Lumix DMC-TZ6) nor Samsung WB150F 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

Samsung WB150F's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic ZS1's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Panasonic ZS1 vs Samsung WB150F: 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, Samsung WB150F has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Below you can see the ZS1 and WB150F sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS1 and Samsung WB150F Cameras

As seen above, Samsung WB150F 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 Samsung WB150F Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS1 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Samsung WB150F features a 24-432 mm F3.2-5.8 18× zoom lens.

Samsung WB150F has 1mm wider coverage than the Panasonic ZS1. At f3.20, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Samsung WB150F has 132mm longer telezoom reach than the Panasonic ZS1. However, with a max aperture of f4.90, Panasonic ZS1 is faster at widest end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS1

WB150F

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

ZS1

WB150F

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

ZS1

WB150F

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

ZS1

WB150F

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS1 and Samsung WB150F Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS1 and Samsung WB150F 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

Samsung WB150F 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
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Samsung WB150F for Street Photography

GOOD

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
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 for Sports Photography

POOR

Samsung WB150F 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
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
Wireless Connection
432 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.80
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Samsung WB150F for Daily Photography

GOOD

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
188g
18.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Samsung WB150F 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

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic ZS1 vs Samsung WB150F: 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 Samsung WB150F, 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 Samsung WB150F 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

Samsung WB150F

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #141 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #650 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Samsung WB150F is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Panasonic ZS1 in all criteria.
It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Samsung WB150F vs Panasonic ZS1 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1	Samsung WB150F
Brand	Panasonic	Samsung
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	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	24.74mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	10 megapixels	14 megapixels
Max Resolution	3648 x 2736	4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	3,200 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	100 ISO	80 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	n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	25-300 mm (12×)	24-432 mm (18×)
Max Aperture	F3.3-4.9	F3.2-5.8
Macro Focus Range	3cm	5cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.7"	3"
Resolution	230k dots	460k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.30 m (Auto ISO)	3.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	3.0 fps	10.0 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	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	229g	188g
Dimensions	103 x 60 x 33mm	107 x 61 x 23mm
Battery Life	n/a	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction