• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 128.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/3 inch 17.3mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 29.00mm - 87.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic TS4 advantages over Nikon S30

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.33 inch vs 1/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.53 vs 1.32 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    128 mm vs 87 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Thinner
    26 mm vs 39 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.7 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    6 vs 4 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S30 advantages over Panasonic TS4

  • Less expensive
    $120 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 410 vs 310 shots
    Capture more photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Waterproof
    Both provide
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Panasonic TS4
Panasonic TS4

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S30

Review Excerpt

  • Goes deeper than most cameras; Built-in GPS, altimeter, and barometer; Full HD video capability; Good battery life.

  • Won't serve as an "everywhere" camera; Lens soft at all but wide-angle setting; Button icons hard to read; Disappointing print quality.

  • Read our Panasonic TS4 Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-TS1

Panasonic TS4
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $192
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compare Panasonic TS4 vs Panasonic DMC-TS1

Nikon S30
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S30 vs Panasonic DMC-TS1

Compared to Panasonic DMC-TS2

Panasonic TS4
Panasonic DMC-TS2
  • $192
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Manual focus

Compare Panasonic TS4 vs Panasonic DMC-TS2

Nikon S30
Panasonic DMC-TS2
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S30 vs Panasonic DMC-TS2

Compared to Panasonic TS5

Panasonic TS4
Panasonic TS5
  • $192
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer exposure
  • $249
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Panasonic TS4 vs Panasonic TS5

Nikon S30
Panasonic TS5
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $249
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S30 vs Panasonic TS5

Compared to Nikon S31

Panasonic TS4
Nikon S31
  • $192
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $89
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster shutter

Compare Panasonic TS4 vs Nikon S31

Nikon S30
Nikon S31
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $89
  • 1/3 inch
  • Faster shutter

Compare Nikon S30 vs Nikon S31

Compared to Nikon S33

Panasonic TS4
Nikon S33
  • $192
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $109
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Panasonic TS4 vs Nikon S33

Nikon S30
Nikon S33
  • $120
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $109
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon S30 vs Nikon S33

Compare Other Cameras?