• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 840.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZS1S advantages over Nikon A900

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.58 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    219g vs 289g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon A900 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • 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
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • More telephoto lens reach
    840 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    9 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 2.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    7 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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

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 GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon A900

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS3

Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
Panasonic DMC-ZS3
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • HDMI out
Nikon A900
Panasonic DMC-ZS3
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Canon SX200 IS

Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
Canon SX200 IS
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens
  • $267
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
Nikon A900
Canon SX200 IS
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $267
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS7

Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • HDMI out
Nikon A900
Panasonic DMC-ZS7
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Panasonic ZS60

Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
Panasonic ZS60
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon A900
Panasonic ZS60
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • NFC
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
Canon SX730 HS
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Tiltable Screen
Nikon A900
Canon SX730 HS
  • $397
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher-res screen
Compare Other Cameras?