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

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Differences

Nikon S8100 advantages over Panasonic ZS45

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic ZS45 advantages over Nikon S8100

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    480 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Newer
    10 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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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Buy the Panasonic ZS45

Review Excerpt

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
Panasonic ZS45
Sony DSC-HX5V
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS

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
Panasonic ZS45
Sony DSC-H55
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

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
Panasonic ZS45
Ricoh CX5
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony H90

Nikon S8100
Sony H90
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Panasonic ZS45
Sony H90
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Nikon S8100
Panasonic ZS35
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic ZS45
Panasonic ZS35
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
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