• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S8100 advantages over Panasonic ZS20

  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 220 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Fast startup
    ~1.70 vs 2.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Less shutter lag
    0.18 vs 0.26 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic ZS20 advantages over Nikon S8100

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • More telephoto lens reach
    480 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 260 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    14.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Very long zoom lens; Full HD video; Great grip; Built-in GPS; HDR and Handheld Night Shot modes.

  • Poor image quality due to excessive noise suppression; Flash too close to the grip; No GPS logging; Battery only charges in the camera; Limited touchscreen.

  • Read our Panasonic ZS20 Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-HX5V

Nikon S8100
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Sony DSC-HX5V

Panasonic ZS20
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony DSC-HX5V

Compared to Sony DSC-H55

Nikon S8100
Sony DSC-H55
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Sony DSC-H55

Panasonic ZS20
Sony DSC-H55
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Sony DSC-H55

Compared to Panasonic ZS10

Nikon S8100
Panasonic ZS10
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Panasonic ZS10

Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS10
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $214
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Faster shutter

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Panasonic ZS10

Compared to Ricoh CX5

Nikon S8100
Ricoh CX5
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Ricoh CX5

Panasonic ZS20
Ricoh CX5
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Ricoh CX5

Compared to Panasonic ZS19

Nikon S8100
Panasonic ZS19
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon S8100 vs Panasonic ZS19

Panasonic ZS20
Panasonic ZS19
  • $217
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compare Panasonic ZS20 vs Panasonic ZS19

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